It’s not just your imagination. It’s genuinely hotter than usual. Recent reports show several days were likely among the warmest in modern history, scientists say, as intense heat waves kept breaking records around the globe.
With temperatures ranging from “uncomfortable” to “blazing” across much of the U.S., you might be regretting that you didn’t choose a place with central cooling — or at least one of those window units.
Even if you do have AC, a few of these ideas can still help you stay more comfortable.
How to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning: 9 Smart Tricks
If you find yourself somewhere that’s not built for extreme heat, here are several clever ways to stay cool without AC — including a few unconventional tips.
1. Soak Your Feet in Cold Water
The fastest way to feel cooler is to dunk your feet in icy water. Chilling several “pulse points” on your feet can help lower your overall body temperature.
Fill a shallow basin or bucket with cold water and give your feet a short plunge. Think cartoon-style sizzle…
Be careful, though. Begin with cool tap water and add ice only if necessary. Going from hot to extremely cold too quickly can be uncomfortable or even painful.
While you’re targeting pulse points, try running cold water over your wrists or draping a chilled, damp towel across the back of your neck or forehead.
2. Try a Cooling Vest
These devices are real, and they’re far less expensive than installing central air!
You can find various cooling sport vests for roughly $27 and up. Some use gel inserts and others are designed to be soaked before wearing. If a vest isn’t for you, consider cooling caps, sleeves or bandanas.
Wear one under your shirt for a sweaty commute or put it on at home during particularly hot afternoons.
3. Chill Your Sheets
Hot nights are especially miserable without AC. To rest easier, cool down your bedding before climbing in.
“This old-fashioned trick won’t keep you cold all night, but it can help you fall asleep faster,” notes Lifehacker.
Seal your sheets in a plastic bag and let them sit in the fridge or freezer for an hour or two before bedtime. You’ll slide into a pleasantly cool bed without running the AC or relying on a loud fan all night.
4. Make a Simple Ice Pack
For portable relief, freeze water in a bottle that’s not completely full to create a DIY ice pack. You can also stuff a sock or small cloth pouch with rice, freeze it for a couple of hours and use that.
Apply the pack to your wrists, the back of your neck, forehead or feet when you need instant cooling.
Bonus tip: In colder months you can repurpose these same items for warmth — fill a bottle with hot water or microwave a rice bag for a few minutes.
5. Use the “Egyptian” Trick
We’re not sure how it got its name, but the “Egyptian Method” is an easy way to stay cooler day or night.
Before going to bed, wet your top sheet or a large towel with cool water and wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping. Use that as your top cover to stay chilled while sleeping. To avoid soaking your mattress, place a dry towel between you and the bed.
During the daytime, some people wear damp T-shirts at home in front of a fan. It’s not for public outings, but a wet shirt can be very effective for staying cool indoors.
6. Build a DIY Air Conditioner
If you only need cooling occasionally, these homemade options can substitute for a full AC unit:
- Set a roasting pan or shallow bowl filled with ice in front of a fan.
- Hang a damp sheet across an open window.
- Roll a wet towel and attach it to the front of a box fan.
The airflow will pick up the cold moisture and create a refreshing mist in your overheated room.
7. Unplug Electronics
Lamps and appliances give off heat even when they’re off but still plugged in — and that includes many energy-efficient devices.
Unplugging gadgets and keeping lights off can prevent them from adding extra warmth to a room. Besides helping you avoid cranking the AC, this also reduces your power bill.
Take advantage of long summer daylight hours: turn off lights, unplug unused electronics and cut down on heat buildup in your home or small apartment.
8. Eat Spicy Foods
Ever notice that some of the spiciest cuisines come from the hottest regions?
Foods loaded with chiles or curry stimulate heat receptors in your mouth, raise internal temperature, boost circulation and trigger sweating, which can help cool you down.
Keep the hot sauce within reach this summer — it might actually make you feel cooler afterward.
9. Sip Chrysanthemum Tea
Enthusiasts say chrysanthemum has natural cooling properties and can clear the head.
Brew chrysanthemum as an iced herbal tea rather than reaching for sugary or caffeinated drinks like lemonade or black tea, which can dehydrate you.
Enjoy it chilled on a hot afternoon or as a calming, cooling drink before bed.
If you’re looking for more practical ways to lower indoor temperatures without turning to central air, check out this guide on how to cool down a room without ac for additional tips.
Riley Martin is a former senior writer at Savinly. Senior contributor Alex Harmon helped with this piece.
