The heatwave is back, and with it comes the relentless search for coolness. If you’ve ever tried to fight the summer heat without air conditioning, you know how challenging it can be. There are simple and cost-effective solutions to keep your home comfortable, even during the hottest days of the year.
1. The fan and ice: the magic trick
If you’re the proud owner of a fan, you already have a secret weapon. But to take it even further, all you need to do is grab some ice! The concept is simple: place a large frozen water bottle or a container filled with ice in front of your fan. When the warm air passes through the ice, it cools down before being blown into the room. The result? Instant freshness, and a temperature drop of up to 6 °C.
2. Close your windows, but not all day
A common reflex when it’s hot is to open your windows wide to let in some air. But this is a mistake! During the day, the outside heat just pours into your home. So, during the hottest hours, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., it’s better to keep your windows closed.
But don’t worry, just open them early in the morning or late in the evening when the air is cooler. And if you’re lucky enough to create a little nighttime breeze, the cooler air will lower the temperature inside.
3. The damp cloth trick
You probably have some old sheets or dishcloths lying around somewhere? Then you have the perfect trick to refresh the air without spending a penny. Place a damp cloth near your window or in front of a fan. The moisture released by the cloth will cool down the air passing through, creating a natural sense of coolness.
4. Green plants against the heatwave
If you love green decor, you’ll be happy to know that your plants can do more than just decorate. Some plants, like ferns or tropical plants, have a high transpiration rate. This means they release moisture into the air, creating a cooling effect around them. They also purify the air too, so why not invite a bit of greenery into your home during the summer?
5. The essential gadget for instant coolness
You probably think of a misting fan on the hottest days: this little gadget is not only great for hydrating your skin, but it can also cool down the air instantly. Whether you use a regular misting fan or a simple spray bottle filled with water, spraying a bit of water in the air or on your wrists provides immediate relief.
