How to Keep the House Cool in Summer Without AC (And Actually Feel Refreshed!)
- Sayanika Das
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Let's generalize it- We all hate heat! It's brutal. And if you don’t have air conditioning (or you’re trying to save on your electricity bill), your home can quickly turn into a sauna. But here’s the good news: you don’t need an AC to stay cool. With a little creativity and a few practical tweaks, you can chill out even during the hottest days.
If you’ve been Googling things like “how to keep your room cool in summer” or “how to keep house cool in hot weather”, "How to keep the house cool in summer", you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into these real-life, budget-friendly, and energy-saving tips to cool the hot summer—and turn your home into a breezy little oasis.
Keep Those Curtains Close
We all love sunlight but during summer? Not so much. Direct sunlight through your windows can raise indoor temperatures faster than you think.
The hack:
Use blackout curtains or reflective blinds during the day.
If you don’t have them, a light-colored bedsheet works surprisingly well!
For extra flair, try bamboo blinds—they look great and block heat.
Why it works: It blocks the sun’s infrared rays from heating your floors, furniture, and air—keeping the room several degrees cooler.
It's All About Window
Here’s the secret: open your windows only when it’s cooler outside than inside. Typically, that means early morning and late evening.
Open opposite windows to create a cross-breeze.
Prop your bedroom door open for better air circulation.
Place a box fan facing out in the hottest window to push warm air out.
Want bonus points? Wet a thin towel, hang it over the window, and let the breeze blow through it for DIY evaporative cooling.
The Fan Trick
Fans don’t cool air—they move it. So, if your room is heated, the fan will circulate that hot air. But you can make it cool, especially when you use them smartly.
If you’ve got a ceiling fan (or even a table fan), you can turn it into a mini air cooler with one simple trick: the ice bowl hack.
Here’s how it works: grab a large mixing bowl, fill it with ice cubes or frozen water bottles, and place it directly before a fan. As the fan blows air over the ice, it circulates a chilly mist-like breeze throughout the room. It’s like a homemade AC—minus the electric bill.
This little science-meets-hack moment works best in smaller rooms or bedrooms, especially during those muggy afternoons when the sun feels relentless.
Bonus: Add a few drops of essential oil (like mint or eucalyptus) to the ice water for a refreshing, spa-like vibe. Still feeling warm? Point the fan at yourself after a quick splash of water on your skin. Instant chill.
Cook Cool
Using your oven at 1 PM in July? That’s a no-go. Kitchen heat spreads fast, especially in small spaces.
Go for:
No-cook meals (salads, smoothies, cold sandwiches)
Early morning or late-night cooking
Outdoor grilling (because who doesn’t love BBQ vibes?)
Slow cookers or microwaves instead of stove
Trust us, your room and your face will thank you.
Unplug Electronics
Every plugged-in device gives off heat. Yes, even your idle phone charger and that blinking router light.
What to do:
Unplug anything you’re not actively using.
Switch off unnecessary lights (especially old-school bulbs—they're mini heaters).
Switch to LED lights—they stay cool and save power.
This small habit can noticeably lower room temperature and your electricity bill.
Dress Your Home For Summer (Like You Do)
You change your wardrobe in summer—why not your room too?
Swap out heavy drapes for cotton or linen curtains
Use light-colored bedding (white or pastel sheets reflect heat)
Remove rugs, throws, or dark fabrics that trap heat
Lighter colors = lighter vibes = a cooler, airier home.
Plants Are More Than Pretty: They're Natural Air Conditioners (They know how to keep the house cool in summer)
Indoor plants are living coolers. They release moisture through a process called transpiration, naturally lowering the surrounding temperature.
Top picks for summer:
Aloe Vera
Areca Palm
Snake Plant
Peace Lily
Money Plant
Place them near windows, desks, or any warm corners. Your room will look fresh and feel fresh.
Chill While You Sleep (Literally)
Hot nights = tossing, turning, and sweaty pillows. Let’s change that.
Bedtime cooling hacks:
Use cooling gel pillows or breathable cotton pillowcases
Stick your sheets or socks in the freezer for 5 minutes
Sleep in loose, moisture-wicking fabrics (skip polyester!)
Place a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel near your feet or under your pillow
You’ll sleep better—and wake up less grumpy.
Block the Heat at Its Source
Sealing your home from hot air is key.
Quick insulation hacks:
Use door draft stoppers or rolled-up towels under doors
Apply weather-stripping tape around windows
Check for tiny cracks near outlets, windows, or AC inlets
If you live on the top floor or have a terrace, consider applying a cool roof coating (white reflective paint). It can drop your indoor temp by 5–10 degrees!
Cool You, Not Just the Room
Sometimes, the smartest way to stay cool is… well, you.
Hydrate like it’s your job:
Keep a bottle of cold water nearby
Sip coconut water or add lemon, mint, or cucumber to your glass
Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon, oranges, and cucumber
Also:
Keep a spray bottle of chilled water on your desk
Wipe your neck, wrists, and feet with a cool cloth
Take two quick showers a day, especially before bed
You’ll feel fresh, focused, and far less irritable.
If you are willing to spend few bucks, you can go for heat reflecting roof coating paints on terrace. They help in reducing the heat absorption by 5-8 degree,, which is a lot. Here are few products available on Amazon:
LuminX : Solar Reflective roof Coating |Summer Cool roof | Heat Resistance Paint | High SRI (5 Kg, 150 sqft), WHITE | Price: Rs.2299/-
Nippon Paint Walltron: Summer Cool Roof | 30% Extra | 13 Kg |10 Litre | Solar Reflective Roof Coating | Heat Resistance Paint | High Sri (13Kg ~10 Litres), White | Price: Rs./-3852
Excel Coatings: High SRI Heat Reflective Cool Roof Paint Summer Cool Roof Coating, 20 LTS, Covers 500 sq.ft | Price: Rs.8260/-
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
You just need smart hacks and not fancy ACs or expensive gadgets to beat the summer heat. Knowing how to keep your room cool in summer or even how to keep house cool in hot weather is about working with your environment—not against it.
So whether you’re blocking the sunlight, letting in the night breeze, adding green plants, or simply hydrating smartly, these tips to cool the hot summer can completely transform your space (and mood).
Now go ahead, try a few of these tricks today—and tell the heatwave you’re not scared.
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