7 tips for keeping your home cool without an air conditioner

During the hottest days of summer, it can be difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Here are seven tips to stay cool without an air conditioner.

1. Keep sunlight out. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to prevent the sun’s rays from heating up your home.

2. Circulate the air. Set up a network of fans to keep the air in your home moving. You can also make a DIY air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice or an ice pack in front of your fans to create an icy breeze.

3. Open your windows at night. Open your windows when the sun goes down to let the cooler evening air in.

4. Use a dehumidifier. Humidity can make your house uncomfortably warm. Run a dehumidifier to evaporate the water in the air.

5. Cook outdoors. Using the stove or oven will make your home even hotter. Instead, cook your meals on the barbecue.

6. Use appliances wisely. Wait until the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, and hang dry your clothes in the sun. Being careful about how you use appliances will prevent you from adding more heat into your home.

7. Use your exhaust fans. Turn on your bathroom and kitchen fans to draw hot and steamy air out of the house.

In addition to keeping your home cool, you may also want to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, drink lots of cold beverages and avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.