How to Beat the Heat with Just a Fan

Those with air conditioning take comfort for granted. They expect to feel cool and comfortable in their home and think nothing more of it. Some people do not have it because of the cost, and others seek alternate ways to keep cool. In any case, it is possible to beat the heat with just a fan. I lived in a two story home for several years with just a fan, and I used a number of ways to beat the heat and stay comfortable all summer long.

Trap Cool Morning Air Indoors

One of the best ways to beat the heat with just a fan involves allowing cool morning air in and keeping afternoon heat out. Open the windows when it is cool, and close them before the heat has a chance to creep in. I always opened the windows upon waking and closed them before noon. I was able to beat the heat with just a fan, even when the temperatures were in the mid eighties. When the entryway door was opened several times during the day, the heat eventually took over. My house usually stayed fairly cool and comfortable.

Close Blinds, Shades and Drapes

The home would not have stayed cool or comfortable if I had not closed the blinds, shades and drapes. Direct sunlight filtered in through the picture window in the living room, especially in the afternoon as the sun moved across the sky. Beat the heat with just a fan by closing window treatments. My home always felt cooler when it was darker inside, and I was able to stay cool with just a fan.

Keep the Air Circulating

It is important to circulate the air in the home during the hot summer months. If possible, use a ceiling fan to help beat the heat. The article entitled Ceiling Fan Blades in the Summer provides detailed info on how to keep the air circulating as well as the direction the blades should turn. My ceiling fan made a tremendous difference, and having a portable fan kept the room cool and comfortable.

Cool Off with a Misting Bottle

Sometimes it is not possible to beat the heat with just a fan, but air conditioning is still not a necessity. Humans produce sweat to naturally cool the body. When trying to beat the heat during the hottest days of summer, cool off with a misting bottle. It is amazing how a mist of cool water can beat the heat, especially when sitting in front of a fan.

Create a Simple Air Conditioning Fan

A room can be kept cool and comfortable with an ice fan. It is not necessary to buy a new fan or any special equipment. To find out how to create and circulate cool air throughout a single room, read the article entitled Cheap Ways to Keep a Room Cool. You can beat the heat for just pennies per hour with an ordinary fan and a few simple additions.

Source: Personal and Professional Home Design and Decorating Experience