6 easy ways to keep your room cool without using AC

This old-school trick still works surprisingly well during dry summer afternoons. Place a bowl or tray filled with ice cubes in front of a table fan, and the air blowing across it feels much cooler around the room.

It is a simple jugaad many Indian households use during power cuts or extreme heat days when the AC cannot run continuously.

Instead of thick decorative curtains, try using a light wet cotton cloth or curtain during peak afternoon heat. As hot air passes through the damp fabric, it cools slightly before entering the room.

This works especially well in cities facing dry heat conditions and can make rooms feel less suffocating during the day.

Direct sunlight quickly turns bedrooms into ovens, especially in top-floor flats. Keeping curtains, blinds or shades closed between noon and 4 PM can prevent heat from building up indoors.

Dark curtains or reflective sun films can help reduce the harsh afternoon heat significantly.

Chargers, TVs, laptops, routers and even light bulbs quietly generate heat throughout the day. In smaller Indian rooms, this extra heat builds up faster than people realise.

Turning off unused electronics can make the room feel cooler and also reduce electricity bills.

Heavy blankets, velvet covers and synthetic bedsheets trap body heat during summer nights. Switching to light cotton sheets and pillow covers allows better airflow and feels much cooler while sleeping.

Many Indian homes also use thin cotton mats during heatwaves because they stay cooler for longer

The outside air becomes cooler late at night and early morning. Opening windows during these hours helps flush out trapped indoor heat and improves ventilation naturally.

But once the afternoon heat rises again, keep windows mostly closed to stop hot air from entering.


(Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes alone.)