Keeping Cool Without AC: 8 Simple Tips

From the surprisingly simple DIY wind tunnel to the microwave dinner, these tips will keep you cool if you don't have air conditioning, or don't want to pay to run it all the time. By Dan Shapley

2. Use Fans Strategically

The fact is, many people don't know how to use fans effectively. Here are three ways fans can help:

Ceiling fans can create a pleasant breeze to cool a room significantly. Be sure that you have the fan running in the right direction since ceiling fans can also be used in winter to create an updraft: in the summer, you should feel the breeze blowing down. And remember, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so turn it off when you leave the room. If you're buying new ceiling fans, make sure you buy Energy Star ceiling fans that use 50% less energy than comparable models – a choice that will pay off in the long run, as you can appreciate the longer you keep your fan running.

Stand-alone fans placed directly in front of you, it's no surprise, help keep you cool. Add in a spritz bottle and you can dramatically change your temperature; as the water evaporates off your skin, your body sheds heat.

A DIY wind tunnel is the third option; if there's a cool breeze, particularly at night, set one fan facing in on the side of your home receiving the wind, and another facing out on the opposite end of the house. You'll maximize the cooling power of a natural breeze.