How to Keep Your House Cool without Air Conditioning

Keep your house cool this summer with these simple tips...

Okay. So today is the last day of this nasty heat wave, but it's still only July and we could have another one these things, or two... or three... for all we know.

So I just felt like helping out others by sharing what I did today to keep my home cool and it really helped. Some of you may already do these things or maybe not.

These tips will help whether you have an air conditioner or just a bunch of fans. I'm telling you that it really works and helps.

My AC's were literally struggling to keep up yesterday and the rooms that only had a fan were like a sauna, but today they're much better. Please Read.

Simple Tips to Keep Your House Cool when it's Hot Out

Tip #1) This is for people with fans. First of all, you're going to think I'm crazy, but before the heat wave even begins -- when you know we're getting one -- on that last night of normal cool air, put a fan in the window to draw in cool air. This is where I'm going to sound crazy, but remember, it really works. It's a fact.

My mother taught me this and she learned about it in the news or something a long time ago. I've done this in the past too, but don't always bother with it. I'm glad I did the last two days, though. So here's the crazy part... In the morning, take the fan out of the window and close the window.

Keeping that fan in the window on a day when it's in the 90's is only going to draw in more hot air. Even if you take the fan out and keep the window open - same thing. You're only letting in more hot air. So close the window and follow the next tips below to learn more...

Tip #2) If you have blinds, then keep them closed and turn them in the upwards direction. Not facing downwards. If you have shades, close them. This keeps the suns rays out.

Tip #3) If you have solar curtains - great! If not, then try this... And it might sound a little ghetto, but remember that it's only during the "heat wave" and when that's over, you just take them down again. Cover the windows with blankets, towels, heavy dark curtains or several of all of the above to seal out the sun. Sealing out the sun is this is the key on days when it's in the upper 90's or hotter!!

Even in the rooms that are air conditioned, I put up a heavy towel over the blinds and it made such a difference today. Those rooms are much cooler than yesterday. The rooms that only have fans, I completely sealed off any sunlight from getting in.

If I put a towel at the top, then I put a small blanket across the bottom and I didn't stop there... I also tacked them, that way I made doubly sure that it was sealed. You only need like 2-4 tacks to do that. And...wow...the rooms that only have fans aren't that bad!! Yesterday, it was a sauna!

Tip #4) Common sense - make sure to drink water but be careful not to drink "too much water." Believe it or not, you can actually drink too much water. They say 6-8 glasses a day is safe. If you know differently, then feel free to comment.

Tip #5) Try not to use your stove for long periods. If you know a heat wave is coming, plan on making quick and easy meals. Try avoiding the stove. The stove is not your friend on a day when it's in the upper 90's.

Update to Tip #1) Two of my air conditioners kicked the bucket last summer and I have every intention of buying new ones this summer, but haven't had the money yet. Hopefully, this Friday I can start buying a few. Anyhow, this is what I did for the recent heat wave that we had here in New York.

I kept my fans in the windows until about 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on one day, and then shut them until about 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. while the heat was the most intense. The next day, I decided to keep them open all day with the fans, but still kept the top part of the windows dark and covered. It was more comfortable that way compared to day one of the heat wave.

Well, that's about it!! I really hope that I've helped someone in some way. Try it - it really works!

PLEASE NOTE: If you have temps in the 100's, then I don't know if I'd recommend any of this. We survived a recent heat wave here in NY where it was in the upper 90's with the heat index close to 110. But right now as I speak, I am planning on cooling my entire house with AC's.

I lost two AC's last summer and am in the process of replacing them. For that kind of heat, don't take any chances with your health. If you don't have AC, then stay with a relative or friend. Also, look into public cooling facilities in your area. Definitely invest in AC for 100 degree + days.