There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner breaking down during a scorching hot day. But before you start to panic, there are plenty of ways to stay cool without it. Whether your aircon is out for a few hours or a few days, you don’t have to suffer in the heat.
From simple DIY tricks to using other household appliances, there are plenty of creative and effective ways to keep your home comfortable while you wait for aircon maintenance. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 cooling alternatives that can help you beat the heat when your air conditioner fails.
So, don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered with practical solutions that’ll keep you cool while your aircon is out of action.
1. Use Fans Strategically
When your air conditioner is out of action, fans can be your best friend – if you know how to use them effectively. Simply turning them on isn’t enough. To really cool down your space, you’ll want to set up fans in ways that maximise airflow. If you have multiple fans, position them to create cross-ventilation by placing one fan near a window to pull cooler air in and another to push hot air out.
Ceiling fans are also excellent for circulating air, but make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise during summer. This creates a cool breeze by pushing air downward. Don’t forget about box or pedestal fans either – placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of them can simulate a cooling air conditioner effect, offering a blast of refreshing cold air.
Using fans strategically is an affordable and easy way to stay cool, even when your aircon is on the fritz.
2. Close Blinds and Curtains
One of the simplest ways to keep your home cooler is to close your blinds and curtains during the day. Sunlight streaming in through windows can quickly heat up a room, so blocking it out helps prevent that temperature spike.
Blackout curtains or thermal blinds are especially effective at reducing heat. For the best results, close your blinds or curtains in the morning and keep them shut until the sun goes down. This method helps trap cool air inside and keeps the hot air out, making it easier to stay comfortable even without your aircon running.
3. Try an Evaporative Cooler
If your aircon is down, an evaporative cooler can be a great alternative. These devices use water to cool the air, working best in dry climates. Unlike traditional air conditioners, evaporative coolers add moisture to the air, which can make your home feel more comfortable on hot days.
They’re also energy-efficient and eco-friendly, making them an affordable option for cooling large spaces. To get the most out of it, place the cooler near an open window so it can pull in fresh air. It’s an easy and eco-friendly solution when your aircon isn’t working.
4. Create a DIY Air Conditioner
When your aircon fails, you can make a simple DIY air conditioner with a few household items. Here’s how:
- Grab a fan: A box fan or pedestal fan works best.
- Prepare ice: Fill a large bowl or container with ice or frozen water bottles.
- Position the fan: Place the fan behind the bowl of ice, directing airflow over it.
- Turn it on: As the fan blows over the ice, it will create a cool, refreshing breeze.
This quick setup can provide immediate relief while you wait for your air conditioner to be fixed.
5. Cool Down with Wet Sheets
When the heat becomes unbearable, cooling down with wet sheets is a simple, effective solution. Just soak a sheet or towel in cool water, wring it out until it’s damp, and hang it near an open window or in front of a fan.
As air passes through the wet fabric, it cools down, creating a refreshing breeze that can lower the temperature in the room. You can also use a damp sheet over your body to cool off while you sleep.
This easy method provides immediate relief and helps you stay comfortable when your aircon isn’t working.
6. Maximise Natural Ventilation at Night
When the sun goes down, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of cooler night air. Open your windows wide to allow fresh, cool air to flow into your home.
To enhance ventilation, try placing fans near windows to help pull the cool air inside and push warm air out. In the morning, close your windows and blinds to trap the cooler air in and keep the heat out.
By maximising natural ventilation at night, you can lower the indoor temperature and make your home more comfortable, even when your aircon isn’t working.
7. Turn Off Heat-Producing Appliances
To keep your home cooler without air conditioning, it’s important to minimise the heat generated by appliances. Here’s how:
- Avoid the oven: Cook meals using the microwave, slow cooker, or grill outdoors to prevent excess heat.
- Switch to LED bulbs: These emit less heat compared to traditional light bulbs.
- Unplug unused electronics: Devices like computers, TVs, and chargers generate heat even when not in use.
- Limit dryer use: Hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer, which produces significant heat.
Reducing heat from appliances can help maintain a cooler home environment.
8. Hydrate Your Body, Not Just the Room
Staying cool isn’t just about keeping your space comfortable ? it’s also about keeping your body hydrated. Drink plenty of cold water throughout the day to regulate your body temperature.
You can also use cooling methods like placing a cold washcloth on your neck or wrists to lower your core temperature. Taking a cool shower is another quick way to refresh and stay cool.
Remember, when your aircon fails, it’s just as important to hydrate your body as it is to cool the room, helping you feel more comfortable during the heat.
9. Dress in Light, Breathable Fabrics
What you wear can make a big difference in staying cool when your aircon isn’t working. Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which allow air to circulate and wick away moisture from your skin.
Loose-fitting clothing is also better than tight clothes, as it promotes airflow and prevents you from overheating.
Avoid heavy fabrics like polyester, which trap heat and make you feel warmer. By choosing light, comfortable clothing, you can help your body stay cooler and feel more refreshed even in the heat.
10. Use Cooling Mats and Pillows
Cooling mats and pillows are designed to help you stay comfortable in the heat. Here’s why they work:
- Cooling gel technology: These mats and pillows are filled with a special gel that absorbs body heat, providing a cooling effect.
- Easy to use: No need for electricity or refrigeration ? just place them on your bed, couch, or chair for instant relief.
- Ideal for sleep: Use cooling pillows or mats at night to keep your body temperature down and sleep comfortably without air conditioning.
They’re an easy, portable solution to stay cool when your aircon fails.
Stay Cool When the AC Fails
When your aircon fails, there are plenty of simple, effective ways to keep cool without it. From using fans strategically to trying out cooling mats, these alternatives can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable during the heat.
With a few easy adjustments, you can stay refreshed and beat the heat while waiting for your air conditioner to get back up and running. Don’t let the heat get to you ? try these cooling tips today.
