How to cool a room without AC: 6 tips that will actually lower temperatures

A heat wave like the one currently plaguing the East Coast would inspire many to turn straight to their thermostat. But how to cool a room without AC? After all, there are plenty of reasons you might prefer not to install—or turn on—air conditioning, from not wanting your electricity bill to spike to the fact that AC can make some homes go from boiling to freezing in minutes. (After all, you don’t want to wear a parka inside in winter—why would you in summer?). But that doesn’t mean you should be uncomfortable. Below, we asked experts how to cool a home without AC. They came up with easy, breezy solutions to help you keep your cool.

Don’t turn on the oven

This is an obvious one. If you feel the need to cook something elaborate, head out to your deck and grill instead. If that doesn’t seem like a viable alternative long term, consider switching up your appliances. For example, “An induction cooktop that doesn’t let off as much heat as a regular oven,” says Jackie Armour of JMA Interior Design in Jupiter, Florida

Sit on the right sofa

“Stay away from leather, unless you enjoy sweating on your sofa during the summer,” warns Susana Simonpietri, creative director of design firm Chango & Co. (With her portfolio of airy homes, she would know.) The same goes for velvet, corduroy, suede, and silk. Instead, Simonpietri recommends sticking with linen or cotton upholstery, which are light and breathable, allowing your body to stay cool. Don’t have a sofa in one of these fabrics? That’s what slipcovers are for.

Throw some shade

When it comes to window treatments, “shade is a must,” says Armour. “Blocking the sun is one of the most effective ways to keep your house cool. Combine decorative window treatments with solar shades; or, go for a non-stationary drapery panel and functional roman shades.”

Alex Alonso of Mr Alex Tate, a design firm based in Miami, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City, agrees that window treatments can have a major impact. “Things as simple as a roller shade can help a lot,” he says. “Even though they are unsightly, we always try to hide them behind romans or a faux-roman panel on windows. For sliders and doors, we always recommend having a sheer and a black-out, whenever possible. At bare minimum, a sheer with some good opacity is our go-to.”

Get the air flowing

Try opening windows across from each other in a room—but not directly opposite—as it creates a path for air to travel. It also allows the fresh air to mix with the stagnant air in the space.

Embrace the ceiling fan

“Some people don’t love ceiling fans, but I think the right ceiling fan is the best friend of a non-air-conditioned apartment,” says Simonpietri. Just stay away from fans with light kits—they are usually hideous!” Good news: We recently rounded up ones that actually look good. Armour has a few recommendations too: “Visual Comfort, Minka Aire, and Big Ass Fans all make great products.”

Or the standing fan

No ceiling fan? No problem. “For more immediate needs, portable fans have really come a long way,” says Alonso. “There are some really fun designs. I love Dyson and Venty.” And once the temp subsides, a secret weapon like this can hide away in your hall closet until things heat up again.