Being confined in a very hot room is certainly not a pleasant experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to cool a room. Even if there is no air conditioner, you can adjust the windows and maximize airflow so that the room becomes cooler. Instead of just sitting around and tormented by the heat, take the right steps to make the room as cool as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Fan and Air Conditioning
Step 1. Turn on the fan
You can buy a sitting fan or install a ceiling fan at home. The fan will circulate the air in the room and keep it cool. It is often more efficient to cool a room with a ceiling fan, but sitting or standing fans are usually less expensive. Decide on the size of the fan you want to buy and whether it will match the existing décor.
- If the room is not too big, you should buy a small sitting fan.
- If there are several people in the room, consider buying a fan that moves left and right.
- Sitting fans are usually sold in the form of box fans, table fans, or standing fans.
- You can buy a seated fan at most supermarkets or on the internet.
Step 2. Place an ice cube in front of a running fan
Placing an ice cube or bag of ice in front of the fan will produce a cool breeze that can significantly cool the room. If there is no air conditioning, this method can be a great alternative.
Remember to replace the ice that has melted
Step 3. Make a cross-wind system with two fans
Raise your hand in front of an open window to determine the direction of the wind. After knowing the wind direction, position the fan in the same direction. Place another fan in another window facing out so that it can push hot air out of the room. This method can increase air circulation and produce a breeze that will cool the entire room.
Try removing obstructions between the windows to increase the flow of air
Step 4. Use an air conditioner unit that is powerful enough to cool the room
Air conditioners are the easiest way to cool a room and you can choose between regular air conditioning units, central air conditioners or portable air conditioners. Check the product or packaging detail sheet to make sure the unit fits the size of the room to be cooled. Then, once the air conditioner is installed, lower the thermostat to cool the room.
- Air conditioning is the easiest way to cool a room, but the least efficient in terms of electricity consumption.
- Stationary or portable units are the ones that consume the most energy compared to other types of air conditioners.
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting Windows and Curtains
Step 1. Close windows and curtains when the sun is shining
About 30% of the heat enters the house through the windows. South and west facing windows tend to receive most of the heat during the day. Remember to cover it when the sun is shining.
- You can use a compass or a GPS application, such as Google Maps, to determine which windows are facing south and west.
- The highest temperature is usually between 12:00 and 15:00.
Step 2. Open the windows after sunset if you don't have air conditioning
Usually there is a significant drop in temperature after sunset. If the room gets hot during the day, opening the windows after sunset will allow cool air from outside to flow into the room.
Step 3. Close the window when the air conditioner is turned on
Opening the windows will allow cold air to escape and hot air to enter the room. If the air conditioner is on, make sure the windows and curtains are closed all day to prevent the sun's rays from heating the room.
Step 4. Attach a layer of low-emissivity film or insulating curtains on the windows
These two products are specially designed to dissipate as much heat from the room as possible. To apply a low-emissivity film, remove the sticky sheet from the plastic layer and stick it to the inner surface of the window. Insulating curtains are installed like ordinary curtains, but are made of a special material that prevents heat from entering the room.
You can buy low-emissivity film and insulating curtains at a window fitting store or hardware store
Step 5. Plant a tree or plant in front of a south or west facing window
Leafy trees, reeds, and sunflowers can help you block out the sun when it's hot. Plant a tree or plant outdoors and choose the right location so the leaves can block out the sun. Generally, this method is best suited for rooms on the first floor.
Method 3 of 3: Reducing Heat in Your Home
Step 1. Close all unused spaces
Fans and air conditioners have to work harder to cool a larger area. If you're not using another room in the house, keep the door closed to trap more cold air in the room you're in. This step will only work if a fan or air conditioner is in the room you're currently in.
Open all doors and ventilation systems if you are using central air conditioning. Closing the air duct or door may cause damage to the duct or the central air conditioning unit itself
Step 2. Turn on the stove fan or kitchen fan after you finish cooking
Cooking activities will increase the temperature in the kitchen significantly. If you want to cool the kitchen or the room next to the kitchen, you can reduce the heat coming from the stove or oven by turning on the stove fan or exhaust fan. You can usually find a fan switch or button on the stove. This fan will suck hot air from the room and throw it out.
Step 3. Turn off all unnecessary heat generating devices
Electronic devices such as computers, stoves, TVs, and dryers can increase the room temperature. If you're not using it, it's best to just turn it off or unplug it from the plug.
Step 4. Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier will reduce the humidity level in the room and can cool you down. Dehumidifiers can be purchased online. You just turn it on in the room you want to cool. If you don't know the humidity level in the room, use a humidistat to measure it.
The average humidity in a room should be in the range of 50% to 55%,
Step 5. Take a cold shower
Cold water will help lower your body temperature and make the room feel cooler. On the other hand, steam from a hot shower can increase the humidity level of the room.
