Last Updated:March 31, 2025, 15:36 IST

To keep your house cool in summer without AC, turn on the exhaust fan, use light-coloured curtains on windows, avoid cooking during the day, eat cooling foods, and plant greenery indoors

In the scorching heat, it becomes difficult to stay both inside and outside the house, especially when the power goes out or the fan or cooler suddenly stops working. Within seconds, one can be drenched in sweat.

While many houses now have air conditioning, not everyone can afford it. So, how can you keep your home cool without an AC and make summer more bearable? Here are some simple yet effective ways to beat the heat.

Ways To Keep Your House Cool In Summer Without AC

1. Use Exhaust Fans: If you don’t have an AC, keep the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom on. These help remove heat and humidity, making the indoor environment more comfortable. Turning on the exhaust fan in the afternoon can expel hot air and provide relief.
2. Optimise Airflow with Fans: Place a table fan in front of a window to allow cool air to circulate. For an extra cooling effect, place a bowl of ice in front of the fan.
3. Block Sunlight: Keep all windows and doors closed during the day. Use light-coloured cotton curtains to prevent sunlight from entering. Insulated glass windows can also help maintain a cooler indoor temperature.
4. Limit Cooking During the Day: Try to finish all cooking by 10-11 am to avoid overheating the kitchen. Avoid using appliances like ovens, grills, and microwaves during peak heat hours. Opt for cooling foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables.
5. Reduce Heat from Lights and Appliances: Keep unnecessary lights turned off, as bulbs and tube lights generate heat. This not only cools the house but also lowers electricity bills.
6. Use Cooling Bedding: To stay comfortable at night, use cotton or linen bedsheets and pillow covers, as they absorb moisture and promote better air circulation. Gel-based pillows or cooling mattress pads can also help.
7. Keep Your Body Cool: Wear light-coloured, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid silk or satin, as they trap heat. To feel refreshed, apply ice packs to your pulse points, such as the wrists and neck.
8. Stay Hydrated: Reduce the intake of tea, coffee, and alcohol, and drink natural cooling beverages like buttermilk, coconut water, lemonade, and sattu sharbat.
9. Add Indoor Plants: Planting greenery inside your home helps absorb heat and keeps the air fresh, creating a naturally cooler environment.