Cooling

Easy ways to Stay Cool this Summer (Even without AC)

May 20th 2017

Summer is here, which means all of us will be looking for ways to stay cool. Of course, staying inside with good air conditioning is your best bet, but there are lots of other ways to stay cool if you don’t have AC or when you want to get out in the sunshine.


It’s definitely possible to enjoy the nice summer weather without having to deal with overheating, but you’ll need to be prepared with a few tips and tricks. Don’t let the heat get you down this summer.

Use Different AC Options

If you don’t have AC in your home or office or if you’re planning an event outside, look for some different AC options. Things like compact air conditioners, fans and outdoor coolers work very well and can keep you and your guests cool and comfortable.


Consider what kind of environment you’ll be in so you can choose the perfect fit. Most units do require electricity to run, so you will need to be in the vicinity of a power outlet. The size of the area will also determine what kind of cooling unit will work best for you. Smaller units and fans are great for confined spaces, but you’ll need a super cooler or larger unit if you need to keep a large space cool.

Stay Cool and Comfortable

One of the easiest ways to stay cool this summer, inside or outside, is by dressing for the heat. Avoid layers, heavy clothes, dark colours and tight-fitting items. These will all make you feel warmer and make it harder to stay cool when the temperatures rise.


Instead, go with shorts, capris, t-shirts, sandals, light colours and cool, comfortable outfits. Also, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun! Wear a hat when you plan to be outside for long periods of time and keep sunscreen handy.

Stay Hydrated

Pack a water bottle with you when you go out to run errands, spend time at the park, have a day at the beach or are just enjoying the summer in your own backyard. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help you stay cool and can also help you avoid dehydration, which can be dangerous.


You can’t beat a cold glass of water when it comes to staying hydrated, but think outside the box and try some other cold treats to stay cool. Things like lemonade, popsicles, ice cream bars, juice and smoothies are summer essentials!

Eat Lighter

It’s not just water that can keep you cool. Eating things like fresh fruits and vegetables, salads and other light foods are perfect summer foods. These items have high water content so they also help you stay cool when it’s hot outside.


Meats and foods that are high in protein actually increase metabolic heat production, which can cause your body to lose water. Avoiding these foods or eating them sparingly can help you stay cool and even help you stay hydrated this summer.

Set up the Backyard

During the next few months you’ll probably be spending much more time outside, so set up your backyard. Make it a cool haven by adding things like awnings for shade and an outdoor cooler or fan. You can go all out by adding a refrigerator for cold drinks to your deck, setting up outdoor furniture, an umbrella for a table and tall potted plants for shade.


Put things like a picnic blanket, water bottle, magazines, sunglasses and flip flops in a basket by your back door so you can head out to enjoy your cool, shady yard and deck at a moment’s notice.

Watch the Weather

Plan around the summer heat as much as possible. When you plan a barbecue with friends, a weekend trip, an outdoor event or anything else this summer, check the weather forecast and work around the hottest times of the day.


It’s usually much hotter around noon and then temperatures usually cool down in the late afternoon and evening. Knowing this, and by checking the weather, you can plan to do things when temperatures aren’t soaring and when it will be easier to stay cool.

Keep Extra Heat out of Your Home

Even if you do have air conditioning in your home, you can make sure it works to its fullest potential by keeping extra heat out. Check all your door and window seals to make sure they aren’t cracked or broken. Damaged seals can let hot air in and cool air out, making it hard to keep your home cool.


Another easy way to keep your home cool is to avoid using your oven when it’s hot outside. Prepare meals that don’t require you to use the oven, use a slow cooker or cook in the early morning or evening hours.


Use curtains and blinds to keep direct sunlight from heating up your home and keep windows closed when your air conditioner or cooling unit is running. An often-overlooked way to keep your home cool is to use your landscaping to your advantage by planting tall trees and shrubs near windows to block out sunlight.

Get Out of the Heat

Sometimes, you just need to get out of the heat and into a cool, air-conditioned space for a while. This tip is especially helpful if your home doesn’t have AC. Plan to spend at least the warmest parts of the day out in a shopping centre, library, cafe or even at the grocery store. These places usually have great air conditioning and can be a great spot to cool down and get out of the house.


Avoid the heat and uncomfortable temperatures this summer with these tips. Dress for the weather, plan around the forecast, stay hydrated and do all you can to make sure your home stays cool. Gear up for a relaxing summer by making your backyard a cool getaway with shade, a hammock and even an outdoor cooling unit.

About the Author

Lauren King

Lauren works in our Ecommerce Team, with over 6 years of experience at HSS. She brings product knowledge and is able to give her advice on the right tool for the job no matter how big or small.

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