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7 Ways to Keep Cool This Summer Without an AC

Brian Gregory

By Brian Gregory
Published May 2, 2023

An air conditioner isn't the only way to stay cool. Here are seven ways you can beat the heat this summer without an AC — all available at Lowe's.

A side by side image of a box cooling fan and a pool sprinkler spraying water.

1. Cooling Clothing

A yellow and blue cooling vest on a white background.

When you work outside in the heat, wear cooling clothing items that’re light and breathable. And if you’re a professional who must work outdoors regardless of the weather, look into a cooling vest and a cooling hat. These’ll allow heat to escape to ensure you stay safe. It also helps to take along a cooling towel in case you need dry off a bit.

2. Cooling Bedding

A set of aubergine Fisher West cooling best sheets.

There’re two types of sleepers: those who stay cold and those who sleep hot. If you’re the latter, choosing lightweight,  cooling sheets, blankets and other bedding items will make sure you rest well even when the weather is a warm.

3. Outdoor Misting System

A box containing an Orbit outdoor mist cooling system.

On the most sweltering summer days, adding moisture to the air can lessen the effects of the oppressive heat. If you plan to be outside for a long period of time, or just want to make the most of your patio, an outdoor misting system can provide a surprising amount of relief.

4. Outdoor Evaporative Cooler

A Dial Manufacturing outdoor evaporative cooler in a garage.

If you live in a very hot, dry environment, an outdoor evaporative cooler — sometimes referred to as a swamp cooler — can lower the air temperature as much as 10 degrees, which can make a huge difference if you’re hosting a cookout or working in the garage.

Tip

For help with keeping your evaporative cooler in good working order, see How to Use a Swamp Cooler and Maintain One.

5. Thermal Curtains

A set of allen and roth blackout curtains in a beige living room.

One of the best ways to cool a room in your home that gets a lot of sun — especially one with many large windows — is to invest in thermal or black-out curtains. This type of window treatment blocks sunlight from filtering in through windowpanes, keeping the room’s temperature much lower during the day.

6. Personal Fan

A white Pelonis portable box fan sitting on a living room floor.

Although running a portable fan won’t actually lower the temperature of a room, circulating the air will feel a lot cooler on the skin and help you breathe much easier. Luckily, there are countless fan varieties to choose from to suit your needs, from desktop fans to tower fans, box fans and more. You can even find models with a remote control included for convenience.

7. Swimming Pool Fountain

A pool fountain spraying water in front of two patio chairs and a small table.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard, nothing is better at providing a much-needed refuge from the heat without an air conditioner. But if you really want to make the most of the space, consider adding a fun pool fountain. Not only will kids love it, but it’s a quick and convenient way to cool off when you need a little break from sunbathing.

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