Use fans and evaporative cooling techniques

Fans create a wind-chill effect on skin, and pairing them with ice or damp fabric adds evaporative cooling. These methods work best in dry climates where relative humidity stays below about 50%.

How to Do It

1. Set ceiling fans counterclockwise: This pushes air downward, creating a cooling breeze. Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
2. Position portable fans strategically: Place box or pedestal fans to circulate air through occupied rooms rather than blowing into empty spaces.
3. Build a DIY air cooler: Set a shallow pan of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a portable fan. The fan blows air over the ice, producing a noticeably cooler breeze.
4. Hang damp cloths: Drape a wet towel or sheet in front of an open window or fan. As the water evaporates, it pulls heat from the air.

Tips

• Evaporative methods lose effectiveness above 50% relative humidity
• A ceiling fan lets you raise the thermostat 4°F with no loss in comfort if you do have AC
• Freeze water bottles overnight and rotate them in front of the fan throughout the day