You can keep your home cool without air conditioning by keeping the sun out, ventilating only when it is cooler outside than inside, and keeping the air moving. With window coverings, airing out the house at night, and a mobile air cooler or fan, a home remains a lot more pleasant even on hot days. It is mainly about preventing heat from entering.
Keep the sun out
Most heat enters through windows. Therefore, close curtains, blinds, or shutters during the day, especially on the sunny side of the house. Reflective window film or exterior sun protection works even better, as the solar radiation is blocked before it reaches the glass. Close windows during the day as soon as it becomes warmer outside than inside.
Ventilate at the right time
Open windows and doors late in the evening, at night, and early in the morning, when the outside air is cooler. Opening windows on two sides of the house creates a draft, allowing warm air to escape more quickly. Close everything again before the sun warms up the house.
Limit heat from within
Appliances also give off heat. Use the oven and stovetop as little as possible on hot days, turn off appliances you are not using, and preferably do not dry your laundry indoors during the hottest hours.
Quick answer: close the window coverings during the day, ventilate at night, and keep the air moving with a fan or air cooler.
Moving air and extra cooling
A fan does not cool the air, but you do feel a temperature difference because air movement makes your skin feel cooler. An air cooler goes a step further: it uses water, and possibly ice, to slightly cool the air being blown out. Read about how well this works in does an air cooler with ice cubes work? At high humidity, the effect is smaller, as described in does an air cooler work at high humidity?
| Measure | Effect | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Window coverings/curtains closed | Less heat inside | During the day |
| Draft with open windows | Warm air disappears | At night and early morning |
| Fan | Feels cooler | When you are in the room |
| Air cooler with water and ice | Air slightly cooler, direct breeze | In dry heat, close to you |
Featured: Dynter AirFlow Air Cooler SM211
The SM211 is a compact, cordless air cooler that you can easily take from the living room to the bedroom or office.
Cooling: fill the water reservoir with water and/or ice for a fresh breeze
Speeds: three adjustable speeds
Battery: 2000 mAh, up to 3-4 hours of cooling after a full charge via USB-C
Size and weight: 16.5 x 16.5 x 17 cm, 880 grams
Extra: cordless, whisper-quiet according to the manufacturer, and equipped with a soft LED night light
Check out the Dynter Air Cooler SM211 Black or the collection of air conditioners and fans.
Don't forget your sleeping area and pets
Do you sleep poorly in hot weather? Then read is sleeping with a fan bad for your health? And don't forget your pets: in our article, you can read how to keep your dog or cat cool during a heatwave.
Frequently asked questions
How do you cool a room quickly without air conditioning?
Close the window coverings, place a fan in the window to draw in cooler outside air as soon as it is cooler outside, and use an air cooler close to you.
Does a fan really help against the heat?
It does not lower the temperature of the air, but the airflow makes it easier for you to lose heat, which makes it feel cooler.
Should windows be open or closed during the day in the heat?
Closed as soon as it is warmer outside than inside. Open them again when the outside air becomes cooler.
Does a bowl of ice in front of a fan work?
It can cool the air slightly, but the effect is limited and temporary. An air cooler with water and ice does this more controlled.
What is the difference from an air conditioner?
An air conditioner actively cools and dehumidifies the air, while an air cooler cools via water evaporation and works best in dry heat.