View full sizeIf the heat gets too much for you indoors, try a water cure. Facing the heat of summer without central air conditioning? Don't worry. Use natural ventilation and traditional tactics to keep things bearable if and when the outdoor temperature soars.
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Timing:
Keep doors, windows and curtains closed during the day, but leave a window open at the highest point of the house so hot air can escape. Open up the house at night.
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Cross-ventilation:
Use fans to blow air in the windows on the cool side of the house and out the windows on the hot side. To do this most effectively, think in terms of cross-ventilation -- making a straight path for airflow. Some fans have a switch so you can reverse the direction of airflow without turning the fan around.
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Fans:
Moving air is cooler air. Use ceiling fans if you have them. You also can use your furnace fan (with no heat) to help circulate air. And setting up a fan to blow straight at you will increase your comfort.
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Switch off:
Turn off lights, televisions and appliances when they're not in use. They all add heat to the house.
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Activities:
Reduce activities that build up heat indoors. Schedule things like clothes washing at night. Rely on a microwave oven or outdoor grill for cooking. Or think salads and cold cuts instead of baked potatoes and pot roasts.
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Humidity:
Keep humidity out of the house with exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
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Clothing:
Loose, unconstricted, lightweight clothing will help air reach your skin, which will keep you feeling cooler.
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Water:
Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids. If you feel too hot, think like a child: Turn your lawn sprinkler on and run through it. Or sit in a wading pool. Or take a shower or a long, cool bath for a cooling effect that lasts for quite a while afterward.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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