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No Air Conditioner?: Ideas for Staying Cool this Summer without A/C

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Also included: tips for keeping your cat or dog extra cool during the summer.

Not everyone has access to an air conditioner, whether it’s because of having windows that aren’t large enough to hold an A/C unit or because the bills will be out of budget. Or maybe you just don’t have the funds to invest at the moment in a good energy efficient air conditioner.

I think this goes without saying, but nothing will cool you quite like an air conditioning unit, BUT there are ways that you can manage 80 to 100-degree (or warmer) summer weather in the absence of one. You just have to get a little creative. If you don’t have an air conditioner, you might want to consider these ideas for keeping cool this summer.

Get a Mini Portable Ice Machine for Your Bedroom or Living Room

Portable Ice Maker Machine

Do you know how good it feels to crunch on fresh cold ice cubelets when it’s a hot, summer day? It’s a bit of heaven. You also have a cold cup to hold onto, or you can use the ice to fill up a plastic baggie and press against your skin. Instead of running to the freezer in your kitchen every 15 minutes, get a portable mini ice machine that you can set up in your bedroom or living room. Most units only take a few minutes to make ice cubes that you can scoop into your cup. Just fill the reservoir with your favorite water and stay ultra-hydrated with cold, fresh ice all day.

Get a Cooling Blanket

It might seem counter-intuitive to buy a blanket to help you stay cool in the summer, but retailers now offer cooling blankets that keep you comfortable in the heat. They’re designed with a cooling technology that absorbs body heat, wicks away moisture, and is breathable to keep air circulating. You can drape it over your shoulders while relaxing in your living room, or cover yourself with it when you’re sleeping.

Floor Fan, Bucket of Ice

There’s a really neat trick offered by The Farmer’s Almanac. Get a good quality floor fan and fill a bucket or large bowl with ice to place behind the fan. The cool air that emanates from the ice will come through the fan, cooling a small room. You might have to switch out the ice every hour or so, but at least you’ll feel some comfort on those hot summer days until you can get an air conditioner. Just make sure you remember to buy a couple of $2 bags of ice from your local convenience store!

For Your Pets: Cooling Pads and Cooling Bowls

Your pets have biological and innate methods of staying cool indoors–even when it’s pretty hot outside. But if you want to give your cat or dog something that will keep them extra-cool throughout the afternoon, give them a pet cooling mat. It’s made of a gel that has a cooling effect, which lasts for hours.

Also, see the cooling pet bowl, which keeps water colder for longer (about 15 hours) without the need for electricity.

Bonus Tip:

If the reason why you’re not using an air conditioner this summer is because your windows are too small for a window unit or you can’t open them wide enough, consider getting a portable A/C instead. It uses a hose that fits in most windows to direct cool air into a room.

Enjoy your summer and stay cool!

Posted by Jade

Staying Cool this Summer without an Air Conditioner

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Many people find it difficult to imagine staying inside in the summer heat without an air conditioner running on full blast. However, there are ways to keep you and your home at a tolerable temperature without the use of an air conditioner for much of the summer (in certain regions). Even if you do choose to use central air or a window AC unit, these tips will help you save some money on your monthly electric bill.

Keep the Blinds Closed

First, if you have large windows in your home and have gotten into the habit of opening your blinds and curtains in the morning, DON’T. Opening the blinds and curtains allows the sun to penetrate and heat up your home. You definitely don’t want to do that with or without an AC running. Keep all blinds drawn shut at the hottest times of the day. Doing this will help lower the temperature inside. Also, consider purchasing room darkening shades or heavy opaque blinds to help block out even more of the sun’s rays. If you want sun rays to enter the home, only open the blinds on small windows.

Shut off Unneeded Electronics

All electronic devices emit heat. This includes your TV, refrigerator, computer, laptop, computer monitor, gaming devices and even your light bulbs. Obviously, you must keep the fridge plugged in, but what about everything else? For example, if your computer is in “sleep mode” it will still emit heat. Try shutting off ALL unnecessary electronic devices in every room in your house. Use low-watt energy efficient light bulbs (the ones that are spiraled). You can even go as far as unplugging the devices from the wall. FYI, your electric company, may in fact charge you for having items simply plugged into the wall, even when off. It’s a minimal fee, yet, it adds up to money wasted.

Cover Your Seats With Cool Material

Cover your favorite sofa and seats with a 100% cotton cover or throw to keep things cool. Think about it — if you have leather or cloth furniture, your natural body heat will warm the seat and in turn raise your body temperature. The cotton fibers allow your body to remain at an more even temperature. It also helps tremendously if you take a cold shower before relaxing in your favorite seat.

More Simple Tips to Stay Cool this Summer

Staying Cool without an Air Conditioner
Ceiling fans are very cooling and help distribute air throughout the room.

Here are a few more simple tips for staying cool this summer without an air conditioner:

1- Have plenty of ice cold water around you at all times.
2- Move at a much slower pace when home (what’s the rush?)
3- Place floor fans facing the ceiling at the center of each room and turn on ceiling fans. Open the window (while keeping the blinds drawn).

Fans will keep the air circulating throughout your home and it will create a flow of air from room to room.

An air conditioning unit is a modern day luxury, but it isn’t always necessary. Use these tips to enjoy your time indoors during the summer and not feel like your house is a sauna.

Stay Cool!!!

Posted by Eve