Don’t Have AC? How to Beat the Heat

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Whether you’re looking for ways to beat the heat this summer without an air conditioner – or you simply want to cut back on its use to save both energy and money, with a little creativity you’ll find there are many things you can do to stay cool this summer without an air conditioner.

Lights Out

One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to keep the heat out of your home is to turn your lights off. Many homes are equipped with incandescent light bulbs that produce a ton of heat when left on. The same can be said about other electronics, such as televisions and computers, which all generate excessive heat when plugged in and turned on.

Shade is the Key

While you may love the beautiful natural light shining in through the windows, keeping your blinds closed can lower the temperature of your home by as much as 20 degrees. Newer homes are well insulated to keep the heat in during the cold winter months, but this can create a greenhouse effect if you let the sun into your home. Even with the blinds closed, heat can become trapped in your home throughout the day, so it is always a good idea to open your windows in the evenings to allow the cool night air to flow through.

Be a Fan Fanatic

Speaking of air flow – make sure you are using your ceiling fans and stand-alone fans strategically in your home to maximize the cool air flowing through your home. For example, ceiling fans need to be running in the proper direction in order to keep the room cool. You should be able to feel the breeze blowing down on you. If you have stand-alone fans in your home, try setting them up in front of your windows that already have a breeze blowing in for maximum cooling.

Get Outta the House

Finally, if you just can’t seem to beat the heat in your home – try exploring your community for places that will allow you to cool off. For example, if you live in the Seton district, there is a 16-acre regional park nearby where you can plant yourself under a shaded tree with a great book. There are also many shopping facilities where you can spend an afternoon checking out the unique boutiques while cooling off in their air-conditioned shops.

These are just a few examples of some quick and easy ways to stay cool without AC during those hot summer months. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, consider insulating your windows, investing in awnings or planting trees around your property to shield your home from the sun.