How to survive summer without an air conditioner (AC)

When your popsicle melts even before you lick it once, you know scorching summer is here. But when it’s too hot for too long, your health is at risk. And many homes still do not have air conditioners and thus surviving the extreme heat becomes a challenge for them. But fret not, we have some cool tips that will help you sail through the summer even if you do not have an air conditioner.

Exhaust helps to push out the hot air from the house. Do not forget to close the door and windows after the sun rises. Also, close the curtains and blinds to keep indoors cool for as long as possible. When the temperature of the outside air becomes lower than the inside air, open all the doors and windows and switch on the exhaust. Opening all windows during the evening promotes better air circulation.

If you live on the top floor or have a balcony, splash one or two buckets of water on the floor (you can use waste water from the RO or the washing machine) in the evening. You can soak your feet in water and also use wet towels and bandannas to have a cooling effect on your head and shoulders. Take cool showers twice or thrice a day.

When the summer is at its peak, top floors tend to get warmer than the ground floor. Shifting to the basement can be a cool refuge from the midday heat.

Light bulbs, computers and other electronic appliances generate unnecessary heat when left open or running. Opt for fresh food that do not require an oven or stove to be prepared.

Increase your water intake when it’s hot. If you sweat profusely, you lose electrolytes. Have glucose, nimbu pani and ORS in that case. Thirst is the first sign that you are dehydrated, so drink enough fluids before you feel thirsty to prevent dehydration.

Alcohol and caffeine both act as a diuretic and promote dehydration. Thus, these should be completely avoided.

If you have to shop during the day time, go to a mall instead of an open market.

If you have a cooler at home, you can add some ice in its water. We bet the air will be as cool as AC’s air.

Eating too much protein increases the metabolic rate and warms the body.

If you have pets at home, give them a cold water bath. You can keep a wet towel on the floor for them to lie down but make sure they don't sit on it for too long - else they can get skin infection. Give them enough water.

You can also keep water pots outside of your house for stray animals.