With summers seemingly getting worse each year, it's more important than ever to find ways to keep cool.

A polar bear in the Arctic rubbing against the icy ground, with the caption

Many people don't have access to air conditioning in these soaring temperatures due to energy costs, their house structure, or other circumstances.

Find ways to minimize the heat in your house or apartment if you don't have an air conditioner.

1. Close the blinds during the day and open them at night

One simple thing you can do to keep your place nice and cool is to block sunlight from entering the building in the first place. If you close your blinds or curtains when the sun is most intense, the inside of your house won't heat up as much.

A woman standing behind a window in a house and closing the blinds.

Since temperatures tend to drop at nightfall, you can open your windows again when the sun comes down to let in some refreshing air.

2. Get a fan

There are different types of fans to choose from, depending on your needs and means. The best choice is a medium-to-large electric fan, which can send air in your direction. It's also far more energy efficient than an air conditioner.

A  very relaxed cat laying in front of an electric fan as it blows air in its general direction.

A smaller version is the mini electric fan. This fan is less effective at cooling your whole body but it's portable, allowing you to beat the heat wherever you go.

A colorful animated creature using an electric handheld fan while sweating.

3. Stay hydrated

We tend to sweat more in hot weather, putting us at risk for dehydration. Make sure you drink water many times throughout the day. Not only will it help keep you healthy, but it will also cool your body down.

Spongebob Squarepants shrivelling up in dehydration and exclaiming,

Quiz

Javier is thinking of ways to cool down his sunny home. He is walking around from room to room a lot today and always feels thirsty. What should he do to cool down?

Take Action

In dangerously hot weather, everybody needs a way to stay safe and cool. Not having air conditioning in such temperatures isn't fun, but remember that you have alternatives!

A gray-haired lady from the period drama

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