No air conditioner? Here's how to keep cool during extreme heat
There are ways to ride out a heat wave in (relative) comfort, even if you don't have air conditioning.
Here are some tips to stay cool during the hottest days of the year without an air conditioner:
Close curtains and blinds during the day. This will help keep heat-generating sunlight out of your home. Blackout curtains can be especially effective.
A dehumidifier won’t change the temperature of a room, but it can make an environment feel cooler by reducing humidity.
Make a DIY cooling system by placing ice or frozen water in front of a fan, but ...
...Use fans wisely. Research shows that fans don't effectively cool people down in extreme heat.
Take a cold shower or bath to lower your body temperature.
Drink water regularly, even if you're not thirsty. Add electrolytes if you're sweating heavily. Skip caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Wear loose-lightly-coloured clothing. Cotton and linen are fabrics that breathe nicely.
Stay low (at night). Heat rises, so sleep on the floor if it's comfortable to do so.
Refresh with a frozen washcloth or water bottle.
Choose cold meals, like salads, fruits, and smoothies, to avoid heating your space during meal preparation.
Let in cooler air at night. Open windows at night to allow cooler air in. Use fans to help it circulate.
Libraries, malls, community centers, coffee shops, movie theatres, and other public spaces offer air conditioning and shade during the hottest times of the day.
Lastly: If you experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses like dizziness, nausea, or confusion, seek medical attention.
Header image: File photo/Getty Images.