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How we survived 120 degrees WITHOUT air-conditioning | Tips for staying COOL in the summer!
Staying Cool Without Air Conditioning: Practical Tips for Extreme Heat
Ark
June 14, 2025
Living through triple-digit temperatures, like the 120°F heatwave we experienced in the Pacific Northwest, can be challenging without air conditioning. However, with strategic planning and practical tips, we kept our home at a manageable 88°F at its hottest. Here’s how you can stay cool when the mercury rises.
Block the Heat During the Day
The first step is to prevent heat from entering your home. Close all doors and windows during the hottest parts of the day to keep the cooler indoor air trapped inside. More importantly, block sunlight by closing blinds, curtains, or using makeshift coverings like sheets or towels. This creates a barrier against solar heat gain.
To minimize heat infiltration, limit how often doors are opened. For example, when returning from the store, we coordinated to bring all groceries inside in one trip, opening the door only once. If you must go in and out, choose a door with northern exposure or one in the shade, as it’s typically cooler.
Maximize Airflow at Night
When outdoor temperatures drop below indoor levels at night, open all windows and doors (with screens to keep out pests) to create airflow. Place fans in front of open windows or screen doors to pull cooler air inside. For added cooling, freeze a water-filled milk jug and place it in front of a fan to mimic a swamp cooler effect, though this works best for small spaces or when sitting nearby.
Personal Cooling with Frozen Towels
One of the most effective ways to stay comfortable, especially at night, is using frozen towels. Dampen a dish towel or washcloth, fold it into a U-shape, and freeze it. Place it on the back of your neck, under your armpits, or across your torso. These areas are key for cooling due to blood circulation. Keep multiple towels in rotation, swapping them as they thaw. This trick, learned while working in a hot restaurant kitchen, is a lifesaver during heatwaves.
Some people also lightly spray their bedsheets with water before sleeping for a similar evaporative cooling effect, though we relied on frozen towels.
Cook Smart to Avoid Heating the House
Cooking indoors can raise your home’s temperature significantly. Avoid using the oven or stovetop during the day, as they can increase indoor heat by several degrees. Instead, use appliances like an Instant Pot or slow cooker, which generate less heat. If you must use the stove, cook in the evening when you can open windows to vent heat.
Better yet, move cooking outdoors. A barbecue, smoker, or fire pit can keep heat outside. We set up an outdoor kitchen with a grill and prep table, allowing us to cook salmon, burgers, and more without multiple trips indoors. For baking, use a Dutch oven over a fire pit to avoid heating the house. Ensure outdoor cooking areas are shaded to stay comfortable.
Long-Term Strategy: Plant Deciduous Trees
For a natural, long-term solution, plant deciduous trees like maples strategically around your home. These trees provide shade in summer but lose leaves in winter, allowing sunlight to warm your house. Position them to cast shade during the hottest parts of the day, typically in the late afternoon. While it takes years for trees to mature, this approach can significantly reduce cooling needs over time.
Bonus Tip: Use a Pool
If you have access to a pool, it’s an obvious but effective way to cool off. Even a quick dip can lower your body temperature during peak heat.
Conclusion
By combining these strategies—blocking heat, maximizing airflow, using frozen towels, cooking outdoors, and planning for shade—you can keep your home and yourself cool without air conditioning, even in extreme heat. For more outdoor cooking ideas, check out the blog post linked on our website. What are your favorite tips for staying cool? Share them below!
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