Beat the heat without an AC

No need to suffer the scorching summer heat inside your home. There are 1.9 billion air-conditioning units operating in the world today, and if you are not the owner of one of them, don’t worry – solutions are at hand.

Mattress cooling system

This cooling pad works under your fitted bed sheet or over your top sheet. Cold water is circulated through the pad, providing a regulated temperature of 10 degrees less than the surrounding area, and no electricity is required.

Personal cooling bands

It looks like a watch, and by button activation, it sends cooling waves through your wrists, psychologically changing the perception of how cool you are.

Ice pillows

Technologically advanced, automatic, water-filled pillows that can stop heat storage and provide a cool sleep surface by lowering the temperature around the head, neck and shoulders.

Alternative air-conditioning system

Set a container with ice by your window and allow your fan to blow on it. As the ice evaporates, your area will become more comfortable.

Wet sheets

Hang a wet sheet by your window and reduce the overall temperature inside the building.

Disconnecting electronic devices

Appliances and other electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, and televisions, emit heat that stays in the house. Plug them out or switch them off during the night when not being used.

Trees and plants

Plant shade trees around the house to block the sun’s direct rays from exterior walls, windows, and roofs. This will result in solar penetration of up to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoor plants will help cool the atmosphere, as they bring moisture to the room while purifying the air.

Cross-ventilation

Open windows on opposite sides of the room or house to achieve air blowing in at one side and hot air exiting the other. It works.

Reflective Roof Paint

Apply highly reflective paint to your roof’s surface in very light colours. This will reflect the heat rays away from the building.

Window flower boxes

Add colour and beauty to your house exterior with window flower planter boxes. They will absorb the heat piercing the interior.

Awnings

Canvas or metal awnings are very effective at sun control, reducing solar heat by up to 70 per cent through windows.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.