We’ve lived in homes with and without central air — and when it’s hot and humid like it is right now, I definitely run the AC. But I also know not every space has it, and sometimes it just can’t keep up. Whether you’re trying to stay comfortable without air conditioning, or you want to give your AC a bit of help, there are some simple things you can do to make your home feel cooler right now.
Whether you’re trying to stay comfortable without air conditioning, or you want to give your AC a bit of help, there aresome simple things you can do to make your home feel cooler right now. No shopping, no room makeovers — just quick, practical ways to beat the heat. And if your space still feels a little stuffy, clutter might be part of the problem. Here’s how to declutter when you’re overwhelmed by too much stuff — because a lighter home really can feel cooler too.
How to Keep Your Home Cool Without AC
1. Close the blinds and curtains during the day
This is the quickest win. Sunlight looks lovely… but it brings the heat with it. Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day — especially on windows that face east in the morning or west in the afternoon. If you have room-darkening curtains, even better. But regular curtains still help a lot.
2. Swap your bedding for lighter layers
If you haven’t already done this, now’s the time. Heavy duvets and flannel sheets are way too much for hot nights. I like to switch to just a cotton sheet and a lightweight blanket or coverlet — and honestly, it makes a huge difference for sleep.
3. Use fans smarter, not harder
Ceiling fans should run counterclockwise in summer to create a wind-chill effect. (You can usually switch the direction with a small toggle switch on the base.)
And for floor or table fans, try placing a shallow bowl of ice water in front of the fan — it helps blow cooler air around the room.
4. Turn off the heat sources you’re not thinking about
Ovens, stovetops, dishwashers, even some lights — they all give off heat. Try cooking earlier in the day or using smaller appliances like a toaster oven, air fryer, or slow cooker. Let dishes air dry. And turn off any lights you’re not actively using — it adds up!
5. Stay cool yourself, too
This one might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re trying to cool the whole house. Keep a big pitcher of water in the fridge (add citrus or cucumber if you want it to feel fancy). Dress in breathable layers. And try this: dampen a washcloth, roll it up, and pop it in the fridge or freezer for a bit — then rest it on your neck or wrists. Instant relief.
FAQs
A little! Through a process called transpiration, they release moisture into the air — which can make a small difference. Plus, they add a calm, fresh feel.
It depends on the time of day. Open windows early in the morning and later at night when the outside air is cooler than indoors. Keep them closed during the hottest part of the day.
Yes! Especially if your windows get full sun. They can block out both light and heat, keeping rooms significantly cooler.
You don’t need a big budget — or even air conditioning — to make your home feel cooler during a heatwave. These simple shifts can help your space feel fresher and more livable, even on the hottest days.
Have a tried-and-true trick I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working in your home too.
