Summer is the best time of year for many of us, even though right now it’s winter and feels a long way off. The only downside to the warmer months is that sometimes it can be a little too hot, and during a heatwave things can become really stifling and uncomfortable. If you live in a part of the world that is always warm then it’s more likely that your home will be kitted out with air conditioning and you’ll be much more equipped to deal with it. But if it’s reasonably mild the rest of the year, AC might not be something you want to invest in, instead you’ll need to find other ways to stay cool during the super hot few weeks in summer. Here are a few ways to go about it.
Using fans
Fans can be reasonably effective in keeping cool in the summer, having one on is certainly better than nothing at all. A big stand fan in your bedroom can help to keep your temperature down at night when it’s always the most difficult time of day, and a ceiling fan in the living room is handy as it can stay up all year and you can just switch it on when it’s needed without getting in the way. The thing about fans to remember is that they keep you cool, but they wont cool a room. So if you’re putting on a fan in an empty room all day with the hopes of it being cooler when you come to bed then that wont work. If you have it set to blow onto you then that’s what will keep you comfortable
Sort the windows
You might consider window treatments to be something you’d install to keep the cold out, not the heat. But they work both ways, since blackout curtains and cellular or blackout blinds will stop the sun from getting into the rooms of your home. Keep the curtains or blinds drawn during the day as a way to keep your home at a lower temperature when the sun is particularly strong. Decent thick curtains are a good investment for all year round for keeping your home at the right temperature, so are definitely something to consider if you’re looking to makeover any of the rooms. Replacing the actual windows to be high quality double or triple glazed is a good way to keep your house cool in summer although of course this isnt something all of us can run out and do. But a good alternative is to add solar window film, this helps heat to bounce off the windows but without blocking out light.
Home insulation
Insulating your walls and loft is another thing that will keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, insulation in the walls and loft prevent heat from getting in. Having this done can help reduce your energy bills all year round and keep you more comfortable when the weather is extreme.
Roundup: Here’s a simple table of more ways to keep your home cool this summer without AC:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Fans Strategically | Place fans near windows, create cross-ventilation, and use ceiling fans for air movement. |
| Close Curtains & Blinds | Block sunlight during the hottest parts of the day to reduce indoor heat. |
| Open Windows at Night | Let in cooler night air by opening windows and doors after sunset. |
| Cook Outdoors or Late | Avoid using ovens/stoves during the day—grill outside or cook meals after it cools down. |
| Switch to LED Bulbs | Use energy-efficient bulbs that emit less heat than traditional lighting. |
| Add Indoor Plants | Plants help cool the air naturally and improve indoor air quality. |
| Use Light-Colored Fabrics | Opt for light-colored curtains, bedding, and furniture covers to reflect heat. |
| Seal Gaps & Insulate | Prevent hot air from entering by sealing gaps and adding insulation where possible. |
| Limit Electronics Use | Turn off unused electronics to reduce heat output in your home. |
| Take Cool Showers | Lower your body temperature with cool showers and wear breathable clothing. |