Keeping Cool Without an AC- Part 4

 

The news is full of headlines indicating that energy shortages are on the horizon for most of the world. Over the decades, we have become reliant on the coolness of our air conditioners and have forgotten how we survived without them. It is now time to rediscover how to stay cool without our AC. Our 5 part series provides ideas on how to beat the heat this summer without the AC.    

House Adjustments- Part 1

Using passive heat-regulating techniques helps to keep your house comfortable in the summertime. I keep the curtains drawn during the day and open up the windows during the evening when the outside temperature drops. By using cross-ventilation techniques, it creates a nice breeze through the house.     

In addition, making sure to use fans effectively can help to strategically cool areas of your home. We adjust our ceiling fans so that they pull the heat up towards the ceiling of the room, thus keeping it cooler. In addition, placing box fans in windows at night to draw in the cool air from outside will help to keep your room cool. However, if it is during the day, it may be more effective to place the fan in the room where you are occupying.    

Finally, during the summer we are careful to turn off as many heat-producing electronic devices as possible. Most people do not realize the amount of heat these devices produce, so we find alternative options for cooking, drying our clothes, and even lights. We will cook outside, eat cold or room temperature meals, and dine outside. We use a clothesline to prevent using the drier during the summer months, and as a bonus, we save on our electricity bill.  

Series:  If you missed a post they are linked below 

1. Dress for the Heat

2. Water to the Rescue

        

3. You Are What you Eat

         

          

Pick an idea or two and leave a comment below on how it went.