How to Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning
Southern Ontario is well known for our muggy, scorching hot summers. And although living without an air conditioner can at times feel impossible, we have several tips to help keep your space cool if A/C is something you don't currently have ...or if you are simply looking for a few creative ways to lower your dependency it.
Grab an icy cold drink (or popsicle), and enjoy a quick read!
KEEP YOUR BLINDS CLOSED
It sounds like a simple tip, but it's an important one - upwards of 30% of unwanted heat comes from our windows, and utilizing curtains, blinds, and window coverings can help lower indoor temperatures by up to 6 degrees. If you you find your existing window coverings aren't doing much to keep the heat out, it might be worth looking into black-out curtains - particularly for south and west-facing windows. Black-out curtains block sunlight, naturally insulating your space. Studies have even found that neutral-colored black-out curtains with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by up to 33%.
OPEN AND CLOSE DOORS ON A SCHEDULE
During the day, closing all inside doors helps prevent cool air from traveling or spreading into these spaces. During the evening hours, open the doors back up to let air flow naturally throughout your home.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR FAN
Fill a mixing bowl with ice (frozen ice packs will also work) and position the bowl in front of a fan, allowing the air to blow over the surface. This will instantly add an icy cold boost to the air already coming off your fan.
SWAP YOUR BEDDING
Textiles like flannel and fleece are great for insulation during the colder months, however cotton or linen is a better, breezier choice for summer. These fabrics are more breathable and better able to help regulate your body temperature during our hot summer nights.
CHECK YOUR CEILING FANS ARE MOVING COUNTER CLOCK-WISE
If you happened to catch our winter blog post on the benefits of year-round ceiling fans, now is the time to make sure you've remember to change your fan direction back. Counter clock-wise ceiling fans during the the summer months create a wind-chill effect on your skin and can help the room feel six to eight degrees cooler with minimal energy consumption.
FOCUS ON YOUR BODY
Keeping your body temperature cool is the easiest way to make it through the summertime heat - Indulging in icy cold drinks and snacks throughout the day, applying a cold cloth to areas like your neck and wrists, wearing lightweight clothing made from natural, breathable fibers, and, for those especially hot days, dipping your feet in cool water throughout the day or night if you find yourself overheating can all have great cooling benefits.
UTILIZE BATHROOM AND KITCHEN FANS
Kitchen and bathroom fans are made to pull out the hot air that rises after cooking or a steamy shower - turning them on when the temperatures spike is one more way to help keep your space cool.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COOLER NIGHT AIR
Temperatures generally tend to taper off in the evenings, so take advantage of that by cracking open your windows once the sun sets. Take it one step further and strategically set up fans to create a perfect cross breeze. Just be sure to close all your windows and blinds before the sun starts to heat things up in the morning.
If you find yourself with a ceiling fan or A/C unit to be installed, or if you simply need a hand with an electric project, big or small, feel free to get in touch any time or use our online booking tool to schedule a service call or onsite estimate.
Blais Electric | 519-766-2940 | info@blaiselectric.ca
Proudly serving clients in Guelph, Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge, Milton,
and neighbouring Southern Ontario communities.