Handling Heat in California without AC

Handling a heatwave without AC is hard but not impossible. Here's a few tips and tricks we've found that helps people stay cool without an AC

Placing a Box Fan in a window can help to create a breeze, either to push the cool air in or hot air out. Source.

Use Box Fans and Ceiling Fans

Air circulation is important, both to move the heat from your house and to help you stay cool. Using fans will help circulate the heat. If you have ice, placing a bowel of ice in front of fans will also help to cool the surrounding areas.

Put a Box Fan in a Window

If you have a box fan, put it in the window to either push the cool air into the house or the hot air out.

Close the Curtains

If you can, close all curtains expect for a select few windows during the heat of the day. This is important, as it will help to keep your house cool. Using lighter material (such as white drapes) will also help you to reduce the amount of heat coming into your house.

Cooling Curtains

Spray a sheet with cold water and cover your window's openings. The breeze will pass through the fabric and help to bring down the temperature in your home.

Shut Doors to Unused Rooms

Example of a Single Story Cross Breeze. Source

If you have an AC, and even if you don't, try to keep the area you want to cool small.

Bake and Wash at Night

Appliances such as a stove, dish washer or washing machine, do generate heat when they are being use. Try to do these activities during cooler times of the day. If you can, you can also try cooking meals outside on a grill or on a camp stove.

Example of Creating a Cross Breeze in a Two Story. Source

Turn on your Bathroom and Stove Fans

These fans will help to take hot air out of the house.

Create a Cross Breeze

In a Single Story home, create a path that the breeze can travel through your home can help cool your home. Close all the doors of rooms you are not using an open a window at one end of the home, and another window/door at the opposite end.

If you have a two story home, open all the windows on one side of the house in the upstairs and, in the downstairs, open all the windows on the opposite side of the house. This will help the cool air come in through the house and push the hot air from the second story.

Open your Windows During Cool Part of the Day

Either in the morning or at night, you're going to want to open your windows to help the heat escape.

Make your Own AC or Evaporation Cooler

If you have the time and the energy, you can check out our other two articles, on how to make your own at home Homemade Air Conditioner and Homemade Evaporation Cooler ( Swamp Cooler ).

Prepping Your House for the Next Heat Wave

Insulate your Attic and Walls

If possible, insulate your attic and walls. What keeps heat in during the winter, will also help to keep the cold air from escaping when you're trying to cool your house.

Weather Strip Where You Can

Usually used to keep heat in during the winter, weather stripping your windows and doors will also keep cool air from escaping. This is relatively inexpensive insulation and easy to install around doors and windows.

Make Sure your Ceiling Fans are Functional

Make sure your ceiling fans are functional and running counterclockwise (when you look up at it).

Install Insulated Window Frames

These window protections will help to cut the amount of sun that gets into your house, helping to cool your house without your notice.

Install Awnings to your Windows

Installing awnings can also help to reduce the amount of sun entering your home, providing you shade on sunny days.

Sources and Links

https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/home-improvement/how-to-cool-your-house-without-ac/

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-stay-cool-without-air-conditioning/

https://www.medicinenet.com/11_tips_surviving_a_heat_wave/views.htm

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/a21272176/energy-saving-house-cool/