When temperatures soar, our first instinct is often to close the shutters and desperately search for a breath of fresh air. But instead of rushing to turn on the air conditioning (which is often energy-intensive), there are simple, accessible, and sometimes surprisingly effective ways to cool your home naturally. At G-Heat, we beat the heat with our cooling clothing, but there are also plenty of other things you can do indoors. Here are our 10 tried and tested tips for getting through the summer without turning your living room into a sauna.
1. Close the shutters during the day, air out at night: the basic thermal reflex
During the day, let your home insulate itself. Close the shutters, draw the curtains, and block direct sunlight. At night or early in the morning, create a draft by opening opposite windows to circulate fresh air. This simple step will cool a room naturally without air conditioning.
Certain materials such as tiles and stone retain coolness at night. Take advantage of this inertia by refreshing the air early in the morning and closing everything as soon as the sun rises.
2. Go green: natural air conditioning at its best
Plants aren't just pretty. They humidify and purify the air. Choose varieties such as ficus, indoor palm, aloe vera, Boston fern, rubber plant, or spathiphyllum. When placed in the right spots, they help create a pleasant microclimate in your living room.
Place your plants near windows (but out of direct sunlight), or even outside to act as a screen. A green balcony acts as a real heat shield.
3. Hang damp laundry indoors: a simple and effective tip
As water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air. Hanging a wet towel or damp sheet in the room increases the humidity... and lowers the perceived temperature. Place it in front of a half-open window, in a draft, or near a fan: the cooling effect is immediate and works like a homemade air conditioner. As you can see, it can be very easy to cool down your home.
4. Cool the floor: damp mop, tiles, and water circulation
A damp floor naturally lowers the temperature. Mop the main rooms with cold water, especially if you have tile or stone floors: these materials retain coolness well and feel pleasant to the touch. This is a quick, inexpensive, and very effective method during heat waves. However, be careful if you have hardwood floors: avoid using too much water, which can cause the wood to warp or damage it, and opt for a light wipe with a well-wrung mop.
5. Position your fans correctly to boost the flow of cool air
During the day, avoid pointing them towards open windows, as this will bring in hot air. At night, position them to circulate the air or extract heat. Use two fans at opposite ends of the room to create a cross-draught. You can also place a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to amplify the cooling effect. Simple, practical, and incredibly effective.
6. Ice, frozen water bottles, misters: little extras with immediate effect
Cool a room with a fan and ice
The classic duo: fan + ice cubes. The air blown over the ice cools by several degrees. It's the ultimate homemade air conditioner.
The classic and highly effective duo: a fan, a few ice cubes, and you're done. By placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles right in front of the fan, the air blown out picks up the coolness of the ice before spreading throughout the room. The result: it feels several degrees cooler without the need for real air conditioning.
Make a mini air conditioner at home without electricity
What if you don't have a fan handy? Don't panic. Simply place bottles of ice water on a metal plate or ceramic dish in the center of the room. As the ice melts, it will gently cool the air around it through evaporation. This passive system works particularly well in closed rooms and can provide a pleasant feeling of coolness without noise or energy consumption.
7. Limit the use of electrical appliances that give off heat
Certain everyday actions can, without you realizing it, contribute to heating up your home. Ovens, dryers, dishwashers, and even your internet box all produce heat. Ideally, limit their use during the hottest hours of the day, opt for cold meals (long live salads!) or postpone these tasks until the evening. Also remember to unplug unused appliances, turn off lights and switch to LED bulbs. You'll stay cooler... and your energy bill will thank you.
8. Choose light colors to limit heat
Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors repel it. Painting an exposed wall white, installing light-colored blinds, or even repainting a roof in a reflective color can significantly lower the indoor temperature. It's a simple step with lasting effects, ideal for single-family homes or exposed terraces.
9. Textile tips to cool down your home
Which materials should you choose to avoid overheating?
Linen, lightweight cotton, and sheer curtains are the best materials for summer. They allow air to circulate and prevent overheating. On the other hand, thick fabrics, carpets, and rugs made from poorly ventilated natural fibers trap moisture and heat. It's best to avoid them when temperatures are high.
How to use a damp sheet to cool down a room
A slightly damp sheet stretched in front of a fan or placed in a draught creates a natural mist of cool air in the room. This is an inexpensive and highly effective home remedy for lowering the room temperature, especially at night.
10. Plan ahead with small, sustainable improvements
Install a pergola or outdoor blinds
Creating shade around your windows stops heat before it even enters. A pergola covered in plants or well-placed blinds are incredibly effective.
Consider insulation and dual-flow ventilation
In the longer term, a well-insulated home stays cool in summer and warm in winter. This is the key to a stable and comfortable interior all year round.
G-Heat: the expert in beating the heat, summer and winter
At G-Heat, we know all about extreme weather. And our mission is to help you get through it with greater comfort and freedom. Whether you're at work, out for a walk, or moving house in 35°C heat, our cooling clothing is designed to keep you active, focused, or simply comfortable despite the heat. Because suffering from the temperature is no longer inevitable. Now you're ready to stay cool at home... and outside, with our clothing and accessories.
