Summer is here, and it’s a hot one. Most of us will be able to escape to the reprieve of an air conditioned room when we’ve had our fill of the warm weather, but when your AC breaks down, you need to find easy ways to stay cool. Even with routine maintenance, it’s possible for your HVAC to give out without warning, and if you’re living in an apartment, you don’t always have control over how quickly HVAC services are called. While you wait, here are five tips to stay safe and cool off without air conditioning.
Shut the Blinds
This might seem like a no-brainer, but when it comes to cooling down, you need to shut your blinds. Open windows may bring in a slight breeze, but they’ll also bring in lots of sun that can make your house hotter. You can also invest in some black-out curtains that are specifically designed to keep rooms cool and the sun out.
Utilize Your Ceiling Fans
Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to push hot air up towards the ceiling as opposed to around the room. This tip also works well to circulate cool air when your AC is up and running. When you sleep, plug in a small table fan as well so you have air blowing on you from all directions. It won’t be as cool as it is when there’s AC, but it definitely beats the heat.
Change Your Sheets
Heavy sheets and bedding is great during the winter, but summer demands a lighter fabric. Swap out heat-retaining flannel sheets to cool, crisp cotton. You can also cover with damp sheets during the night instead of a blanket, which is a trick that was once used by the ancient Egyptians.
Open the Windows at Night
Depending on where you live, you might be able to open your windows at night. After the sun goes down, open your windows to create a wind-tunnel effect to cool your home. Just be sure to close them before the sun comes up. The key is keeping your home as cool as possible until help arrives.
Cool Down with Ice
In addition to sipping cold drinks, you can also apply ice compresses to your pressure points. Apply ice to your wrists, the back of your neck and behind your knees to cool off. You can also freeze a plastic bottles and wrap them in a towel to keep them close in bed at night.
Living without AC can feel unbearable, but it’s not impossible. With these tips, you’ll be able to stay cool and avoid overheating this summer while waiting for repairs.