How to Cool This Summer in the Heat

As summer approaches, the extreme heat can be tough on almost everyone, whether you're working indoors or outdoors. And the question - how to stay cool in summer - becomes the most frequently asked question. Many people would rely on cooling equipment like air conditioners to beat the heat. But this would definitely lead to expensive electricity bills, especially when you keep these machines running all the time.

So, is there any efficient way to get through this summer without spending too much? In this blog, we are going to offer you some easy and cost-effective methods to cool this summer. Even if you don't have an air conditioner or need to spend long hours outside, these tips will help you stay cool and comfortable.

Easy Ways to Cool This Summer

There are lots of approaches that you can try to cool this summer. But some work better than others. Here's how you can keep this summer comfortable by trying the 7 most effective methods:

Keep Windows Closed

Opening the windows can ensure good ventilation and reduce overheating. However, it's better to keep them closed during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.). If you keep the windows open during these hours, it will only let harsh sunlight in and increase the heat.

Of course, keeping windows closed all the time isn't ideal either, since it can make the room feel stuffy and trap odors inside. Once the sun sets and the temperature drops in the evening, you can open the windows and doors again to allow fresh and cooler air in. 

Blackout Drapes

During the hot summer, as harsher light streams into your room, it will bring more heat simultaneously. Thus, blocking the light outside may also help you fight off some heat. You can add blackout drapes to your windows, door frames, or any other spots where light might easily get in. The ideal size should be 1.5 times the width of the space you're covering for perfect coverage.

Stay Hydrated

Remember to drink enough water in the hot season. On average, an adult needs about 2,000 - 2,500 milliliters (around 8 - 10 cups) of water per day to prevent dehydration. Don't wait until you feel thirsty. Instead, sip water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated and reduce extra heat from your body. 

If you're sweating a lot or starting to feel a bit dehydrated, take small sips of warm water (with a pinch of salt if possible) or drink a sports beverage to help restore lost electrolytes.

Cooling Towels

Cooling towels can also help you cool down on hotter days. Unlike ordinary towels, they are usually made of special materials like microfiber or PVA to better absorb sweat and keep your skin dry. Their surfaces are also designed to give you a cool sensation during use.

Once dampened with water, even with sweat, they can quickly remove heat and bring instant coolness through evaporation. This makes them an ideal choice for sports, travel, or work during hot weather.

Dress Appropriately

Also, pay attention to your daily outfit. Tight or heavy clothing can trap heat and prevent sweat from evaporating. You may feel very sticky and uncomfortable when wearing them in summer. Instead, choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. And the best option would be loose sportswear.

Dark colors, such as black or navy, will absorb more heat, so it's best to avoid them in the summer. Light colors, like white or pastels, are safe. They reflect sunlight and help keep you cooler.

The material of your clothing also matters. Natural fabrics like cotton are good. They are often breathable and absorb sweat well. Try to avoid synthetic materials that don't allow air to pass through easily.

Limit Hot Activities

During hot days, if you keep doing hot activities, you'll get heavily sweating and feel extremely overheated. This not only adds extra heat to your body but can also lead to serious health problems, including some irreversible damage. Strenuous exercises, outdoor running under direct sun, or other high-intensity activities should all be avoided during peak heat.

Close the Doors of Unused Rooms

Closing the doors of rooms you're not using is also a simple but effective way to keep your home cooler. When these doors are left open, the cooling air generated by your air conditioner will easily escape to other rooms, thereby reducing the overall temperature control efficiency.

By keeping them shut, you can block the air in the main areas. 
Specifically, the doors of unused areas, such as guest rooms, offices, and storage areas, can be closed most of the time to keep the center area cooler by preventing unnecessary air loss.

How to Stay Cool If there's no Air Conditioner? 

If there is no air conditioner, how to keep cool in the heat? Don't worry, you can still stay cool and safe during the summer heat. Try the following practical tips:

Add an Ice or a Damp Towel to the Fan

If there's no air conditioner, the fan can also lower the temperature. And you can make it more powerful by adding ice to it. You can prepare a gel ice pack and tape it to the back of the fan, or just put a bowl of ice in front of the fan. An even simpler way is to hang a damp towel on the fan, and then it will work like an air conditioner.

Portable Fans

It's quite easy to find different types of portable fans. If your room is a large one, you can consider placing several of them in different areas. For example, in the corners, at the center, and even on your desk or bedside table, they can all be equipped with these functional cooling machines. Then they will keep the air moving evenly and enhance the overall cooling effect.

Utilize Ceiling Fans Strategically

Your ceiling fan will become a major helper in summer when there is no air conditioner. But you must use it strategically. Make sure you have set the blades properly to make it rotate counterclockwise. This pushes cool air downward and creates a refreshing breeze. 

At night, the ceiling fan can be combined with open windows to improve cross-ventilation. Moreover, remember to adjust the fan speed and direction based on the time of day. 

Cold Showers

Taking a cold shower will cool you off immediately, too. The cold water can rinse away sweat and give you a fresh feeling. But you must keep a couple of things in mind. That is, don't use very cold water right after intense exercise, or it will risk muscle stiffness or shock to your system. 
Even though the cold water can work very well in lowering your overall body temperature, it's better to limit the shower to a couple of minutes as a maximum.

How to Stay Cool in Hot Weather Outdoors?

When you need to spend a relatively long time in an outdoor environment, you should also learn about how to stay cool in heat. 

Being outside means facing the summer heat and high temperatures directly. It will take a heavy toll on your body. So for the sake of your health, you must stay as cool as possible with the methods below: 

Find the Shade

Staying in a shady area can prevent harsh UV rays and keep you cool when you are in an outdoor environment. To avoid heat exhaustion or even heat stroke caused by long exposure to the sun, try to find shaded spots such as under a large tree, next to a tall building, or beneath a canopy or umbrella. You may take a short break, reapply sunscreen, and drink plenty of water in these shaded areas.

Spray Bottle with Water

You can diy a portable cooling tool by preparing a spray bottle filled with clean water. The principle is about evaporation. When the fine mist lands on your skin, the water absorbs heat from your body and then lowers your temperature. You can take the bottle anywhere and spritz your face, arms, or legs whenever you feel overheated.

And don't forget about the ground. Spraying water onto outdoor surfaces where you stay (as long as it won't interfere with work or activities) can drive away the heat as well. Then you may switch your small spray bottle to a larger container, say, a garden sprayer or a hand-pump spray can, to cover a wider area with mist. 

Wet a Towel Around Your Neck

Whenever you go out, bring a wet towel with you. You should drape it around your neck. This can help absorb sweat and cool you down quickly. As the water evaporates, it removes excess heat from your body and makes you feel cool. 

When you are dampening the towel, you can soak it in cold water or add a few ice cubes before wringing it out. If you need to stay outside for a long time, remember to re-wet it periodically to maintain the cooling effect. 

Besides the neck, you can also put them on other pulse points, such as your wrists, forehead, or the back of your knees, to cool you down even faster.

Wide Brim Hat to Block the Sun

The wide-brimmed hat would be a nice choice to keep you safe from the direct sun. The large brim provides shade for body parts that are prone to UV rays, such as your face, neck, and shoulders.  

To obtain better protection, you can pair the hat with other gear such as sunglasses, masks, sun-protective clothing, and cooling arm sleeves to cover exposed skin and stay cool outdoors.

Avoid the Heat Between 11 am and 3 pm

In summer, the sun is at its strongest during the hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. And the heat is often the most intense. You are actually risking yourself to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn if you choose to stay outside during this period.

If you cannot avoid being outdoors during these hours, take the precautions discussed above: particularly, seek shade whenever possible, wear sun-protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and drink enough water.

Utilize an Outdoor Tent to Stay Cool This Summer

Summer is a perfect season for hosting various outdoor parties. But you have to provide a cooling environment for your guests to guarantee a nice experience. A qualified party tent is a must-have for any outdoor event, as it offers a safe shelter that protects people and items under it from direct harsh sunlight.

For a successful celebration held outdoors, setting up a tent is just the beginning. You'll also need to keep the tent cool in summer. A direct way is to add an air conditioner to your tent. If your budget allows, additional cooling equipment, such as the fans and HVAC system, should also be applied. 

Before your air-conditioned tent starts to work, figure out how you can keep the cool air inside. When you are picking the tent, opt for one that allows you to add sidewalls. And ensure all seams and joints are properly sealed to prevent cold air from escaping.

Conclusion

Whether you have an air conditioner or not, and whether you're indoors or outdoors, the tips mentioned above can help you cool this summer without driving up your electricity bills. If you are planning to host an outdoor party this summer and need a tent, then Sheltent would be a good option.

We are committed to providing high-quality tents and effective temperature control solutions. We'll help you customize any accessories to keep your tent cool during your outdoor party. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us!