No Air Conditioning? These Everyday Adjustments Can Help
A hot house doesn't cool down the moment the sun goes down. And if you're one of roughly 39 million-or one in eight-million Americans who don't have air conditioning, the effects of a hot summer or rogue heat wave can be dangerous, and even deadly.
After a few days of high temperatures, your whole home can feel oppressively hot. TikTok creator @dealsbymax shares a few tips to cool down your sleeping area, but you can also use them around your home and throughout the day.
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What Heat Exhaustion Looks Like-And What To Do
Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses more fluids through sweating than it takes in. Sweating is the body's main way of cooling itself, but when fluids aren't replaced, it becomes harder to produce enough sweat to regulate temperature. Hot, humid conditions and poor air circulation can make matters worse by slowing the evaporation process that helps cool the body.
Because heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration, symptoms can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, fatigue, heat cramps, an elevated heart rate, and signs of dehydration. A person may also have cool, clammy skin that appears pale, flushed, or ashen and may have difficulty standing or walking.
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Start With Fabrics
@dealsbymax Knocks me out every night#summerneeds#coldroom#coldbedsheets#acunit
original sound - dealsbymax
One popular heat-wave trick is to place a pillowcase or lightweight top sheet in a sealed bag and chill it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before bed. The cooling effect doesn't last all night, but it can make it easier to fall asleep. You can also do this with your clothing during the day.
Breathable fabrics matter too. Cotton and linen generally feel cooler than synthetic materials, especially when it's humid. Many people also find that reducing the number of layers and keeping their feet uncovered helps prevent overheating.
Use Fans Strategically
Fans don't lower the temperature, but they can make a room feel more comfortable.
A frozen water bottle placed in front of a fan can create a cooler stream of air in a small area. Another option is a light mist of water from a spray bottle paired with a fan, which can feel very refreshing during the hottest part of the day.
At night, directing airflow across the body rather than straight at the face often works better for sleeping.
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Cool the Body and Keep Heat Out
Sometimes the quickest relief comes from cooling specific parts of the body. A cold, damp towel around the neck or shoulders, cool water over the wrists, or a cold foot soak can all help lower discomfort quickly.
One thing experts generally don't recommend is an ice-cold shower. Cool or lukewarm water is often more effective because extremely cold water can cause the body to hold onto heat afterward.
During the day, closing blinds before direct sunlight reaches the windows can help prevent indoor temperatures from climbing. Turning off unused electronics can also reduce extra heat indoors.
None of these tricks will replace air conditioning. But when they're used together-a chilled pillowcase, better airflow, closed blinds, lightweight bedding, and some (not too much) cold water-they can make a heat wave much easier to live with.
@americanredcross Here's how to stay cool without AC. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out heat. At night, open windows and use fans to pull cooler air inside. Don't use the oven or stove if possible, and stick to wearing lightweight clothes, taking cool showers, and drinking lots of water. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, confused, or stop sweating, those are signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Call 911 right away. And if your home gets too hot, head somewhere cooler like a library, mall, or local cooling center. #HeatSafety#ExtremeHeat#SummerWeather#StayCool#Preparedness
original sound - British Red Cross
If you or anyone you know is in danger of heat exhaustion this summer, please contact 911 or your local emergency authorities.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 9:40 AM.