Dry air and high temperatures reduce performance, mood and well-being of a person. This microclimate is especially dangerous for people with weakened immunity and the elderly. Climate equipment is able to solve this problem, but not everyone can afford it due to the high cost. However, it is possible to cool a room without an air conditioner using available means. They will give a temporary effect, but they can make life much easier during periods of unbearable heat.
We ventilate the rooms
During the heat, it is highly discouraged to open all windows wide open, especially if the outside air temperature exceeds +30 ºС. Even if there is no cooling equipment in the house, the microclimatic conditions in it are much more comfortable than outside. If you open windows during the summer heat, the room will be heated to the same temperature as outside, and the person's well-being will deteriorate.
The same applies to windows that are located on the shady side. It will not work to make the air in the house cooler due to the fact that on the sunny side all the windows are closed, and in the shade they are open, it will not work, because in any case there will be an exchange of air masses, and it does not matter from which side they entered the dwelling.
You need to ventilate the apartment at night or early in the morning. The coolest time of the day is from 4 to 7 o'clock.
We remove direct sunlight
The bulk of the heat enters the room due to direct sunlight. To create a favorable microclimate, it is recommended to curtain all windows or lower the blinds. The denser the curtain material, the slower the apartment heats up. Of course, darkness spoils the mood, it is more pleasant to enjoy bright sunlight, but in this case you have to make a choice between comfort and personal preference.
If the curtains on the windows are transparent and thin, you can use a special reflective film or foil. They are glued to the windows to prevent direct light from entering the room. Foil can also be glued to walls - it will reflect heat and keep you cool for a long time.
To cope with ultraviolet radiation, you can use light filters.
An alternative to an air conditioner in an apartment is energy efficient windows with a polarizing coating. They keep warm in winter and cool in summer. This option is suitable for those who are going to make major repairs or change window structures.
Regulating humidity
Air humidity is a significant factor affecting the microclimate in the house. Hot dry air can cause dizziness, nausea and fever, so it is wise to install a humidifier in your room. It will not completely replace the conditioner, but it will help to noticeably improve your well-being. It can also be used in the autumn-winter period, since working batteries and other heating elements dry the air. A household humidifier is a must-have if there are children in the house.
Allergy sufferers and asthmatics will benefit from moist air as dust particles are nailed to the floor. This will help avoid exacerbation of the disease. Another device suitable for this purpose is an air washer. It performs the following functions:
- moisturizes the room;
- cleans from dust, all kinds of viruses and fungi;
- ionizes the air;
- fills the room with whatever scent you choose.
When buying a moisturizing or cleaning device, you should also regularly do wet cleaning, wash floors and take care of furniture.
Humidification and cooling of a house without an air conditioner is possible with the help of available tools.
Hang a large sheet in a doorway or window opening, and lower the ends into a container of water. It will gradually get wet and evaporate, giving the room coolness. However, this method is only suitable for the shady side of the apartment. Otherwise, direct sunlight will dry the sheet very quickly. The humidity will be very high and the microclimate will feel like the tropics. As a result, breathing may become difficult. Excessive sweating will evaporate very slowly due to the high humidity.
To cool the room in the heat without air conditioning, ordinary cold water will help. Place containers around the room, fill the tub, or simply turn on ice water. Cool air from the bathroom will spread throughout the apartment. Additionally, you can put ice cubes in bowls and change them as needed. Such methods simultaneously help humidify the air.
Leave a bowl of cold water and napkins near the bed before bed. If it gets too hot, moisten your face, neck, and ears to help breathe.
A refrigerator can help cope with the sweltering heat before bed. At the beginning of the day, put sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers in it. Make them your bed in the evening. You should not lie down on ice-cold laundry right away, otherwise you may catch a cold.
Optimizing fan performance
In the summer, many people try to cool the air using a fan. They use it to make the house cool and comfortable. This feeling is created due to the constant movement of air masses. During this process, sweat glands, which are located in human skin, secrete sweat. Due to ventilation, it evaporates and the person feels cool.
A fan cannot become an alternative to an air conditioner, but if you place it near your workplace or bed, it will be much easier to endure a hot period. It is rational to place this device near a window or door. This method is relevant for those whose house is on the sunny side: hot air will move from the apartment to the street.
You can create a homemade cooler from a fan. Fill plastic bottles or other containers with water and place in the freezer for several hours. When the water freezes, place the bottles in front of the fan so that the air flow is directed at them. After 10-15 minutes, the room will cool down significantly. Bottles should be replaced as the ice melts.
The ceiling fan has proven itself well. It is not expensive at all, it works silently, and ventilates efficiently. It does not create drafts and does not heat the room with its motor, unlike a conventional fan.
Turning off household appliances
To feel comfortable at home, you must turn off all appliances that generate heat, if possible. Otherwise, even without this, the hot room will be additionally heated. Disconnect batteries and heated towel rails. They can be powered by electricity or hot water.
Each heating or heating device generates up to 400 watts of heat. This is enough to heat a small bathroom, so it is best to refuse them during the heat.
Heat is also emitted by electrical appliances, albeit in a fairly small amount. It is recommended to replace incandescent lamps with energy-saving ones. Just 5 conventional bulbs can generate as much heat as one small radiator. Incandescent bulbs are uncomfortable in the heat and consume a lot of electricity, so replacing them is a great solution.
Hot air travels through the house much faster than cold air.Close the kitchen door when cooking for a long time. If possible, do not use the stove or kettle during a period of abnormally high temperature, cook food in the microwave.
Useful Tips
Drink plenty of fluids. It is important to take into account that ice water has a deceptive effect. It is much easier to tolerate the heat when drinking hot tea, as it raises the body temperature and provokes perspiration.
Avoid hot and heavy meals. Give preference to salads, okroshka, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
During the peak of the heat, try to move less so as not to generate heat in your body. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics. A cool cloth wrapped around your head and wet wristbands will bring relief.
As forecasters note, during the summer, the intolerable heat usually lasts no more than a month. You can hold out during this period using the listed methods, however, only air conditioning will help to achieve maximum comfort.
