It’s important to have a room that is cool and comfortable. All sorts of things can be done to lower the temperature in a room. Often, it’s a good idea to have multiple ways to cool your room down so that the desired temperature is maintained without costing you a fortune.
By following a few tips, you can learn how to cool a room down quickly so that you don’t have to worry about breaking a sweat.
Utilize a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are an easy solution when you live in an area with high humidity. You can get rid of the moisture in the air and cool things off at the same time. Many portable AC units fit conveniently inside of a window. This is a great alternative to an HVAC system if you don’t have ductwork. Similarly, it can provide you with a temporary solution if your HVAC isn’t working at the moment.
Use a Portable Swamp Cooler
A residential evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, can be a great investment. You can place these in or around an open door or window so that you can add moisture to the air and cool the surroundings down by up to 30 degrees.
Various models exist so that you can find one that is easy to cool down the size room that you have. Many swamp coolers are easy to set up, and the ongoing maintenance is low. All you will need is a source of water and electricity – and some models will even have a water reservoir for your convenience.
Angle Fans Creatively
Fans can be utilized to help circulate air around your room. If you have ceiling fans, be sure that they are spinning counterclockwise so that the air is being pushed down to create a cooler breeze.
If you have box fans, take the time to arrange them in creative ways so that you maximize the cross-breeze that can be created. You may have to move them throughout the day and night based on where the sun is coming into nearby windows.
Try placing one box fan higher than another one so that you can get the air blowing at various levels in the room.
Place a Wet Sheet at the Window
If you don’t have a fan or you find that the room is feeling hot and dry, hang a wet sheet in the window. As the air blows through the sheet, it will help to add some moisture into the air. Think of it as a makeshift swamp cooler. This is particularly helpful if you have multiple windows in the room. The added benefit is that if you have a light-colored sheet, it will reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing the heat.
Keep Curtains/Blinds Closed During the Day
Prevent the sun from shining into your windows all day long. Keep curtains and/or blinds closed so that you can prevent all of that heat from causing temperatures to rise.
It’s also a good idea to invest in insulated curtains. This can help you in the summer months when it’s hot as well as in the winter months when it’s cold.
During the evening, you may want to open your windows. Keep the curtains closed so that you can reduce the pests that fly in. However, the open windows will allow for a natural night breeze to cool off your room.
Install Reflective Film on the Windows
Windows can be your worst enemy during the hottest days of the year. They’ll allow a significant amount of sun into the room, heating things up along the way.
Reflective film can be easily installed. It will reduce around 60% or more of the sun’s energy. However, you’ll still get the light that you depend on.
The film is something that can stay in place year-round – and you may notice how it saves on your energy bills, too.
Add Cold Bed Linens
Sleeping when it’s hot outside can be nearly impossible. You can cool your room by focusing specifically on your bed linens.
Ditch the comforters and blankets. If you insist on having them, freeze them or dampen them so that they help to cool you down.
Choose lightweight sheets so that they’re not adding more weight to you. Some of the lighter materials to look for include percale, linen, and cotton as they are more breathable than heavy materials like wool and jersey. Additionally, you may want to consider freezing the sheets before you slide underneath them for the night.
Various technologies have made it possible for you to stay cool – consider investing in a “chillow” – a pillow that feels cold at all times. There are also various gel mattress pads that help to keep your body temperature cool and comfortable.
Cool Your Body Down
You should be doing everything you can to keep your body temperature in check:
- Dress accordingly for the hotter temperatures
- Take cold showers in the morning and evening
- Use a cold compress on the back of the neck
- Cool your pulse points, including wrists, elbows, and ankles
- Distance yourself from others so that you aren’t generating more body heat
Limit Certain Activities
Be cognizant of some of the activities around that will generate heat. Leave these for cooler days. Some of the things you should watch for include using ovens and stoves. Instead of cooking hot meals, opt for salads and cold foods.
You should also watch for other devices that generate heat, including dishwashers, laundry machines, and even computer monitors.
Make a Few Investments
Especially during the summer months, you want to have a way to keep your room as cool as can be. Whether you have working AC or not, there are other things you can do – and many can keep your energy bills low.
By making a few investments, such as in box fans, an evaporative swamp cooler, and gel pillow toppers, you’ll have everything you need to combat the rising summer temperatures.
