Use Fans to Stay Cool Without AC
Fans make a windchill effect that cools the room down when they are spinning in the right direction. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to circulate cool air through the room. If yours is running clockwise, simply push the switch on the motor housing.
Keep the Sunlight Out
When the sun is beaming through the windows, it warms up your home by a few degrees. Use blackout curtains to keep sunlight out and temperatures cool on sunny days. This is a great trick whether you have air conditioning or not because it will keep the baseline temperature cooler in your home.
Add a Window Unit
While this tip does use AC, adding a window unit is a lot more accessible than installing a whole central air system. You can find an AC window unit for a few hundred dollars. Installation is as simple as placing it in the window and plugging it in. Check to see how many square feet it is designed to cool and purchase one that is adequate for the room you are installing it.
Only Run Appliances at Night to Stay Cool Without AC
Appliances like the clothes dryer, stove, and dishwasher generate heat which warms up the room substantially. If you run them during the hottest part of the day, the heat inside your home can become unbearable. Wait until the sun goes down to do chores involving these appliances. To make dinner, use a microwave or grill outside to cook food, instead of the stove or oven.
Use Breathable Linens
Certain types of sheets and blankets are cooling and breathable, which is a must for a household without AC. You can also purchase a cooling mattress cover that will help the bed feel cooler. Investing in these types of linens will keep you comfortable while sleeping on a warm night.
Open the Windows on Cool Nights to Stay Cool Without AC
Sometimes, the temperature outside drops at night during summer. Take advantage of the cooler air by opening the windows and letting it inside your home. Then close them before the temperature heats up again the next day.
Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity makes the air feel warmer than it really is. By dehumidifying the air in your home, you will feel more comfortable. A home at 78 degrees with 70% humidity feels muggy and stuffy, but if the humidity is 40%, the same temperature feels fine. Portable dehumidifiers are compact and affordable.
Aarrow Home Inspections offers home inspections to the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Contact us to schedule our services.