Keeping your home cool becomes a top priority when the sun turns up the heat. Here is your ultimate guide on how to cool down a room to help you beat the heat and transform your space into a refreshing oasis.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #1. Close the Blinds

Sunblock for Your Home

Direct sunlight during a heat wave can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Keep blinds, curtains, and shades closed during the hottest part of the day, usually from late morning to late afternoon.

Opt for light-colored or reflective curtains that can block out the sun’s rays while maintaining a bright atmosphere inside.

Blackout curtains are LIVE-SAVERS in the heat! They are especially effective in rooms where you need to block out the most heat.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #2. Create a Cross Breeze

Nature’s Air Conditioning

Ventilation is key to cooling down your house. Open windows on opposite sides of your house to create a cross breeze, which encourages airflow throughout your space.

For an added boost, place a fan facing out of one window to push hot air out and another fan inside to pull cool air in. This technique works best in the evening or early morning when the outside temperature is lower than inside.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #3. Use Fans Wisely

Fan-tastic Tips

Fans are great for circulating air and creating a cooling effect. Position fans strategically to maximize airflow in the most-used areas of your home.

Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cooler air down. For added cooling, use a tower or oscillating fan to distribute air more evenly across a larger area.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #4. Cool Your Curtains

Chill Out

Transform your curtains into a natural cooling system. Lightly mist your curtains with cold water before opening the windows in the evening or early morning.

As the breeze passes through the damp fabric, it will create a cooling effect similar to that of an evaporative cooler, lowering the room temperature. You can use a spray bottle to mist your curtains.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #5. Block Out the Heat

DIY Insulation

Cover windows with reflective window film or aluminum foil to prevent heat from entering your home. This method is particularly effective for windows that receive direct sunlight for long periods.

Reflective film can reduce heat gain while still allowing some light in, whereas aluminum foil provides a quick, inexpensive, and highly effective solution to block out heat.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #6. Optimize Your Bedding

Sleep Cool

Your choice of bedding can greatly affect how well you sleep during a heat wave. Switch to lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or linen, which wick away moisture and allow for better air circulation.

For an extra cool touch, place your sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before bed, creating a refreshing, chilled sleeping environment.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #7. Cool Down Your Body

Personal Chill

Staying cool during a heat wave isn’t just about your environment; it’s also about keeping your body temperature down.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from natural fibers, and use a damp cloth on your pulse points (wrists, neck, temples) to cool down. Taking cool showers or baths can also help reduce your body temperature.

Here is a guide on how to keep your body cool during hot temperatures!

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #8. Turn Off Heat-Producing Appliances

Power Down

Many household appliances generate heat, contributing to the overall temperature in your home. Avoid using ovens, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances during peak heat hours.

Instead, opt for no-cook meals like salads and sandwiches or use a microwave, which produces much less heat. Additionally, turn off unnecessary electronics and lighting to minimize heat output.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #9. Make an Ice Fan

Arctic Breeze

Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for an easy and effective cooling method. As the ice melts, the fan will blow chilled air around the room, creating an arctic breeze effect.

This simple trick can significantly reduce the temperature in a small space, making it more comfortable during the hottest parts of the day.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #10. Set Up a DIY Air Conditioner

Cool Innovation

Create your own low-cost air conditioner using a shallow pan of ice and a small fan. Place the pan of ice in front of the fan and enjoy the cool air blowing over it.

For even better results, use a Styrofoam cooler with holes cut in the sides for the fan and air outlets, which helps concentrate and direct the cool air more effectively.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #11. Use Exhaust Fans

Vent It Out

Exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen are designed to remove hot, humid air from your home. Turn on these fans during and after cooking or showering to help pull hot air out and reduce indoor humidity, making your living space feel cooler and more comfortable.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #12. Create Shade Outdoors

Shield Your Space

Creating shade around your home can significantly reduce indoor temperatures. Planting trees or installing outdoor shades and awnings can block direct sunlight from hitting your windows and walls.

Consider using shade sails, pergolas, or even large umbrellas to provide additional shading for outdoor areas, which can help keep the surrounding environment cooler.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #13. Use Natural Light Wisely

Bright Idea

During a heat wave, it’s best to minimize artificial lighting, as many bulbs emit heat. Instead, take advantage of natural light early in the morning and late in the evening when it’s cooler outside. When artificial lighting is necessary, switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs that emit less heat and are more cost-effective in the long run.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #14. Stay Low

Grounded Comfort

Since heat rises, staying on lower floors or basement levels can provide a cooler refuge during the hottest parts of the day. If your home has multiple stories, set up a temporary living space in a basement or ground floor room where the temperature is naturally cooler.

How to Cool Down a Room Hack #15. Cool Off with Plants

Green Cooling

Indoor plants can help cool the air by releasing moisture through transpiration. Plants like ferns, palms, and peace lilies are particularly effective at increasing humidity and lowering air temperature. Besides their cooling benefits, houseplants also improve air quality and add a touch of nature to your home.

Take Away

By combining these tips, you can create a cooler, more comfortable living space even when the temperature outside is soaring. Stay cool and beat the heat like a pro!