We don’t need to tell you that it is hot outside, and we sure don’t need to tell you that it can be stuffy indoors without an air conditioner. But not all of us are able to have central air or even a window unit. Still, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need a breath of fresh air once the temperature heads above 78 degrees Fahrenheit. And if you are a devotee of the Farmer’s Almanac — and who isn’t — they’ve predicted that this year will be like last summer with record-breaking heat in some areas of the United States. This includes the Atlantic Corridor and eastern Great Lakes, the southern Intermountain region, the Pacific Northwest, coastal California, and even Alaska. And let’s not talk about Florida because it is hot and humid even during a temperate year.
Because we know people want to keep their house cool, we’ve written shopping guides for the best window air conditioners and the best portable air conditioners, which we’ve been updating throughout the summer. Unfortunately, portable AC units are in short supply, and there’s a fair amount of price gouging going on at the moment.
Basically, if you’re trying to keep your house cool this summer, you’re fighting a losing battle without air conditioning. Still, there are steps you can take to bring down the temperature and get through those dog days of summer.
However, other than spending your days in barely-there attire, sweating, and spritzing yourself with water, we have some alternative ways to help you feel cooler while it is hot. And none of these include visualizing that you are cool or floating on an iceberg. As much as we believe in manifesting and meditating, we also know that it is hard to focus on deep breathing when you are overheated.
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So, here are our best tips and products for how to cool your home without AC (and yourself as well).
1. Lasko Portable Electric 42″ Oscillating Tower Fan
Let’s start with the basics, your typical upright fan. We love them they are great but you also want to be smart about the type that you are getting. Furthermore, they work best if you are able to create a cross breeze. If you are on a tight budget, the Lasko portable electric fan is a good buy. It works well in a bedroom, and since it is portable, you can take it from room to room. It includes a multifunction remote, which is a bonus, and also has a timer.
2. Pelonis 16″ Pedestal Fan
This old-school style fan is great when placed in front of a window. If you get two of the Pelonis 16” Pedestal Fan you can use them to establish a cross breeze. It has three speeds settings and a 7-hour timer. It can cool medium to large rooms and features an 85-degree wide oscillation angle.
3. Dyson Pure Cool Fan and Air Purifier
The Dyson Air Pure Cool Fan has been pretty popular since its inception. And this model that features a HEPA filter is an efficient product with a sleek design that is great if you live in a small apartment. Though it is bladeless, it can cool a large room and delivers over 77 gallons per second of airflow. As it keeps you cool, it also filters the air, features a sleep timer, has 10 air speed settings, and automatically shuts off if it gets tipped over.
Read More: Review – Does the Dyson Pure Cool Justify Its $400 Price Tag?
4. Lumi Cordless Light Filtering Sun Shade
Keep sunlight at bay by making sure that you keep your blinds closed. You can also invest in ones that actually block the sun. At the same time, it is nice to wake up to the sun beaming through your windows, but it can also make your home warmer. Lumi’s cordless light filtering sunshade is adjustable and can be customized with a DIY Utility Knife and sizing tool, which are included. They are available in three colors and sizes 36″ x64″ and 48″ x64″ inches.
5. PureFit Jacquard Blackout Curtains
In the same vein as the blinds, these PureFit Jacquard Curtains can help to reduce the sun’s UV rays. They are triple weaved and lined and may provide a barrier against heat when it’s hot outside and the cold during the winter months. They also reduce the sounds of street noise which can help you to sleep better.
6. BDF S2M Window Film Clear UV Blocking
If you have ever had tints on your car, you know that window fill can go a long way in reducing the sun and its effects. And the peel and stick version from BDF is DIY-friend installation; the manufacturer states it rejects up to 99% of UV rays and can block some solar heat helping your living space to feel cooler.
7. Bedsure 100% Bamboo Sheets Set
While sheets may not be an automatic thought that comes to mind when thinking of ways to cool your home with AC, the right bed linens can lead to a cooler feeling body. Bedsure’s bamboo sheets keep sweat away with its natural thermoregulating technology. Also, the deep 16″ pocket and all-around elastic band can keep them in place.
Read More: The Best Cooling Sheets for Beating the Night Sweats
8. Big Fig Hybrid Mattress With Cooling Gel
In the same vein as cooling bed sheets, a mattress like Big Fig Hybrid made with thermogel cooling technology can help you feel comfortable at night. The surface is atop a layer of gel-infused latex activated when it comes in contact with moisture and cools the body, helping you sleep at night. It comes in sizes ranging from twin through California King.
9. Mission Instant Cooling Fan
It’s a simple idea. Put a small venting fan atop a thermos-sized container filled with a frozen canister or loose ice. Pop in your AA batteries, and the fan pulls up the cold air sealed inside before releasing it a gentle stream onto your skin or into a small space. It doesn’t work as well as a full-size air conditioner or central air, but it’s a good option for smaller rooms or portable use at a ball game or picnic outing.