8 Ways to Cool Down the House Without Touching the Thermostat
When the summer heat drags on, your house can start to feel more like an oven—even if you’re doing your best to keep the thermostat untouched. Whether you’re trying to save money or keep the AC from overworking, there are smarter ways to cool things down that don’t involve cranking the air.
These are the tricks that actually make a difference when the heat won’t let up.
Close Curtains Before the Sun Hits
One of the fastest ways to heat up a room is letting the sun pour through the windows. Instead of waiting until it’s already hot, close your curtains or blinds in the morning—especially on the east and west sides. Keeping that sunlight out early helps the house stay cooler longer, and your AC (if you use it at all) won’t have to work nearly as hard.
Use Fans to Push Air Out, Not In
It’s tempting to place a fan by the window to bring air in, but if it’s hotter outside than in, that backfires fast. Instead, set fans to blow hot air out through a window or use ceiling fans to keep air moving across your skin. That breeze won’t change the room temp, but it makes your body feel cooler without needing extra power.
Avoid Running Heat-Producing Appliances
Ovens, dryers, and even some stovetops throw off way more heat than you think. In the heat of the day, skip the baking and save laundry for after dark. If you can cook outside or use countertop appliances like slow cookers or air fryers, you’ll keep that heat from building up inside and save yourself a lot of sweating.
Keep Interior Doors Open for Airflow
It might seem like shutting off rooms would keep the cool in, but that usually restricts airflow and makes some areas hotter than others. Keeping doors open, especially at night, lets cooler air move freely through the house. The more movement you get, the less stagnant and stuffy it feels.
Hang Wet Towels or Sheets in the Breeze
This old-school trick actually works. Hanging a damp towel in front of a fan or open window adds moisture to dry indoor air and cools things down as the water evaporates. It’s especially helpful in dry heat or upstairs rooms where the air tends to hang. Rotate them out when they dry out so you don’t end up with musty smells.
Use Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Those exhaust fans aren’t just for steam and smoke—they’re great for pulling hot air out of the house. Run them when you’re cooking or after a hot shower. It’s a small habit that can help vent out heat that would otherwise get trapped and spread through the house.
Switch to Lightweight Bedding and Sheets
If your bed feels like it’s holding in heat, it probably is. Heavy blankets and flannel sheets might be cozy in winter, but they’ll roast you alive in the summer. Swap them out for cotton or linen and use a single, breathable layer. It won’t cool the whole house, but it’ll help you sleep cooler at night, which is half the battle.
Open Windows Strategically at Night
If the nighttime temps drop below your indoor temp, take advantage of it. Open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze, especially in the early morning or late evening. Once the sun comes up, close everything back up to trap that cooler air inside.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
