When a heat wave strikes unexpectedly, it doesn’t take long for your house to fill with suffocating hot air. Before you know it, you’re more than a little uncomfortable and need to cool your home fast.
The Best Ways to Cool a Room Quickly
Luckily, there are several ways to get the job done so you can turn a hot summer night into a good night’s sleep. Try these tricks to push warm air out and let cool air in for nearly instant comfort.
1. Switch to CFL or LED Bulbs
All sources of light give off some heat, so use as few as possible and keep them dim if you can. Incandescent lights are the worst, which is why you should switch to CFLs or LEDs if you haven’t already done so for the energy savings.
2. Hang Dry Clothes and Handwash Dishes
You obviously need your fridge and freezer, but skip using big heat makers like the dishwasher, washing machine, and clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day.
3. Limit Hot Meals
Using the oven or range can bump up your room temperature by several degrees. Hot nights are the perfect time to enjoy no-cook salads and sandwiches. If you must have a hot meal, try grilling outdoors to spare your house.
4. Invest in a Misting Fan
A misting fan can cool the air on your patio or backyard, giving you a refreshing outdoor space to enjoy while keeping the heat at bay.
5. Shut Off Computers and Screens More Frequently
Keeping your computer and its peripherals on all the time is convenient, but it adds heat to the room. Shut them down for the night when you’re done working to help keep your room cool — you’ll also lower your electric bill.
6. Switch to Insulated Curtains or Honeycomb Blinds
When the sun shines in your windows, it heats things up during the day. Covering windows with insulated curtains or honeycomb blinds adds a layer of protection against the sun’s rays.
7. Create Natural Convection
If you have double-hung windows, raise the bottom sash and lower the top sash to create two openings. This allows cool air to flow in through the bottom, while hot air escapes through the top.
8. Create a Cross Breeze
Move air through your house by having air flow in one side and out the other. In rooms with two windows, aim a fan out of one while allowing fresh air to flow in through the other.
9. Use Your Exhaust Fans
Kitchen or bathroom fans that vent to the outdoors can help remove heat, so turn them on as often as possible.
10. Take More Cold Showers
Cool water will instantly make you feel better. Letting your hair air dry afterward can provide ongoing evaporation, keeping you comfortable for longer.
11. Invest in a Portable Evaporative Cooler
In a dry climate, a portable evaporative cooler is an efficient way to create colder air in your home. Move it from room to room as needed for maximum comfort.
12. Cool Your Furniture
Use ice packs, frozen rice packs, or chilled water bottles on your sofa or bed to keep these areas cooler as you relax.
13. Use the Egyptian Method
Wet a cotton sheet, wring it out until damp, and use it as a light blanket. The evaporation will cool you down as you drift off to sleep.
14. Invest in a Portable Air Conditioner
The fastest way to add cold air to your home is with a portable A/C unit. These are cost-effective and do an excellent job of chilling the air in any room.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using simple hacks or investing in an air conditioner, there are many ways to cool your home quickly during a heatwave. For quality cooling devices, check out NewAir's line of portable air conditioners, fans, and evaporative coolers.
