As temperatures soar and the sun beats down relentlessly, surviving the scorching summer heat without air conditioning may seem impossible. However, with some creativity and some strategic planning, it’s possible to stay calm and comfortable even without AC.
Here are seven tips to help you beat the heat during the hottest months of the year:
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Stay Hydrated
One of the most important parts of staying cool in the heat is staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to restore fluids lost from sweating. Choose cold beverages such as iced tea, lemonade, or fruit-infused water to help you cool off and stay refreshed.
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Strategic Ventilation
Make use of natural ventilation to keep air circulating around your home. Open windows and doors in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are more relaxed, and use fans to circulate air around your home. Place a dish of ice before a fan to create an extra-cool wind.
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Block Out the Sun
Keep your home as cool as possible by shielding direct sunlight during the day’s hottest hours. Close blinds, curtains, or shades to reduce solar heat gain and preserve a pleasant indoor temperature. You should also consider investing in reflective window film to prevent heat transfer via windows.
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Create Cool Spaces
Designate specific areas of your home as “cool zones” where you may escape the heat. Set up a shady outdoor lounge with umbrellas or awnings, or make your misting station with a garden hose and misting nozzles. Indoors, consider creating a temporary cooling station with a portable swamp cooler or a tray of ice water and cold compresses.
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Dress for the Weather
Choose lightweight, breathable textiles such as cotton or linen to help wick sweat and keep you cool. Choose loose-fitting clothing in light hues that reflect rather than absorb sunlight. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when going outside to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
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Embrace Cold Treats
Consume icy sweets to help reduce your body temperature and satisfy your desire for something sweet. Stock up on popsicles, ice cream, frozen fruit, and cooled sweets to savour during the day’s hottest hours. You can also get creative in the kitchen by creating frozen desserts using fresh ingredients such as yogurt, berries, and honey.
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Stay Cool at Night
To beat the heat while sleeping:
- Make sure your bedroom is cool and comfy. Use
- lightweight bedding and invest in moisture-wicking sheets to avoid sleep sweats.
You can place a fan near your bed to provide a moderate breeze, or you can put a frozen water bottle in front of the fan for a homemade air conditioner effect.
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Take Cool Showers or Baths
A brief cold shower or bath can provide fast respite from the heat while lowering your body temperature. Use a wet washcloth or towel to chill your forehead or neck swiftly.
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Stay Indoors During Peak Hours
Avoid needless outside activities during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 10 am and 4 pm. If you must be outside, seek shade and wear loose, lightweight clothing. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
