How to Keep Your Home Cool Without AC

Summer is quickly approaching, and while we can’t wait to enjoy maple creemees and days at the swimming hole, we’re not as excited about trying to stay cool on some of summer’s hotter days.

While Vermont is known for its beautiful (and very cold) winters, our summer temps can get just as extreme, and many of Vermont’s beautiful historical homes are not equipped with central air conditioning to combat the heat. So sometimes, staying cool during a Vermont summer means getting creative. Read on for our best tips on keeping your home cool without A/C.

Close Windows During the Day and Open Windows at Night

This is the oldest trick in the book for a reason but is dependent on a well insulated house. Keep the warm air out during the day by shutting all your windows. On a windy day, it might feel like you’re getting a refreshing breeze, but your actually letting more hot air in. At night, open your windows, especially on higher floors, to let the warm air out and the cool air in. Create drafts with box fans (see below). First thing in the morning, close your windows to keep your fresh air inside. 

Spin Ceiling Fans Counter-Clockwise

That’s right, your ceiling fan most likely spins two ways. In the winter, spinning clockwise can help push warm air down. In the summertime, spin yours counter-clockwise to add a nice breeze. Before you turn it on “high,” don’t forget to give the blades a good cleaning after a long winter spent collecting dust.

Unplug

Electric appliances large and small emit heat when operating, so turn off and unplug any appliances you’re not using. Stoves, ovens, and even your washer and dryer can emit a lot of heat when they’re running. Go for the air fryer, microwave, or cold foods when you can and save laundry loads for the evening. 

Insulate

Insulation isn’t only useful in the winter – it can keep your home cooler in the summers, too. Insulating your home is a great investment that will keep your pipes safe, your home temps comfortable, and your energy bill lower. It pays off all year round (literally)!

Amp Up Your Box Fan

Fans on their own don’t always do the trick, but there are some adjustments you can make to take their cooling power up a notch. First, create a cross breeze with two fans, one blowing cool air, one pulling away hot air. Then, put a bowl of ice in front of your fans to cool down the air before it circulates. Set up box fans in front of windows to bring cooler air in and push hot air out.

…And Don’t Forget Other Fans

Don’t stop at ceiling fans – turn on your kitchen’s exhaust fan and your bathroom fans to remove as much hot air from your home as possible.

Cover Windows

Open windows can be great for keeping air circulation and avoiding stuffiness in your home, but summer sunlight streaming in can heat up any room quickly. Blackout curtains can help keep temps down. To take it a step further, you can soak sheets in cold water and hang them in front of windows to cool down any breeze streaming through (similar to the ice-fan hack). If you’re looking for more long-term solutions, consider installing window films or even awnings or vines on your home’s exterior.

Get Outside

Sometimes it’s best to just leave the house during the hottest points of the day and enjoy nice summer breezes outdoors. Visit one of our favorite VT lake towns and take a nice cooling dip, or get ready for any outdoor excursion with our summer gear guide. If you have a furry friend you’d like to tag along, don’t miss our guide to the best summer stuff to do with your pups in Vermont!

How do you stay cool in the summer? Let us know on social!