Cool Your Apartment in Durango Without AC

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Summer is here! While many of us embrace the warmer temps, Summertime can be a miserable season for those without AC. If you live in an apartment with no type of cooling system, here are some helpful and effective tips to stay cool this summer.

Use Fans the Right Way

When used properly, fans are great at providing relief in hot, stifling interiors. The key is in positioning the fans to create a crosswind. Ideally, you will want to place one facing out of a window of the room you need the coolest. Then place a second fan, facing inward, in front of another window, so that air flow is pushed into the room with the other fan. The goal is to push hot air out and bring cool, fresh air in. Keep the fans running at night, as the cooler air will then be circulated around your living space. Luckily for Durango, cooler, mountain Summer nights provide a nice break from the daytime heat, so you may only need to run fans during the daytime.

Helpful Fan Use Tip

Sprinkle a drop or two of mint essential oil onto the fan blades. Once the fan gets a good air current going, your apartment will not only smell wonderful, but the menthol within mint will create the illusion of further cooling things down. Not to mention, the aroma of mint provides a calming and restorative effect. Just be sure to get the OK if you have roommates with sensitive noses.

You can also place a bowl or container of ice in front of fans. As the fan creates a breeze, the ice will melt and will further cool the air. This method works best when you’re near the fan, such as when you’re sitting at a desk.

Set Your Ceiling Fan to Run Counter-Clockwise

If you’ve been running your ceiling fan with no cooling effect to be had, check that your fan is running counterclockwise. Why? Fan blades are angled, and the rotational direction determines if the fan creates a downdraft for cool breezes during summer, or an updraft of warm air circulation for wintertime.

Keeps Blinds Closed During the Day

Keep blinds and shutters closed during the daytime, as otherwise you’re just inviting even more heat into your apartment. If you can’t stand not seeing outside, or need more natural lighting, only keep blinds open in room(s) that are occupied.

Use Curtains

If it’s alright with your landlord, install curtains to block out direct sunlight. Blackout curtains are specially made for shutting out direct sunlight and keeping interiors cool. Despite the name, blackout curtains are also available in white and lighter colors. In addition to reducing temperatures within a dwelling, blackout curtains can also protect floors and furniture from sun damage and fading – an especially nice feature since we all know how powerful Colorado sunshine can be.

Toss Your Pillow in the Fridge

Who doesn’t love a cold pillow? Instead of having to flip your pillow throughout the night to get to the cool side, place in your pillow in the fridge. Your head regulates body heat, so being able to effectively cool it is a great way to stay cool all over. Another plus is you’ll likely fall asleep faster and get much better rest: no more tossing and turning due to high temperatures.

Install a Mini Split

A mini split is basically a mini-AC unit that cools down a room or an individual space, making them especially great for apartment living. Before you have one installed, you will want to seek approval with your landlord first; it’s possible they may even have one on hand, and will gladly install it for you during the warmer months.

Turn Off Lights

Incandescent and halogen lamps can create a lot of heat, especially in smaller rooms. Only turn on lights when needed.

Open Windows At Night to Cool Your Apartment

Open windows at night to invite in cool air; if possible open windows at both ends of your apartment for the best air circulation. If your unit is still warm despite opening windows, place a box fan on a windowsill to further draw in cool air. Just be sure to close windows during the daytime, especially south facing windows, which have the most sun exposure.

Use A Solar Reflector

If permitted by your landlord, place a solar reflector in the windows. For a homemade solar reflector, use or cut a piece of cardboard to fit your window(s), then layer one side with aluminum foil. Place the cardboard on the inside of the window frame with the foil facing outwards, so heat can be reflected. For a more discreet and aesthetic solar reflector, blackout window film can also be also used; find it available online.

Use Cooler Bedsheets

Using the right type of bedsheets can keep you cooler and guarantee quality shut eye. While flannel sheets are great for keeping warm during Durango’s winters, in warmer months, switch to cotton or bamboo sheets, both of which are light weight and breathable.

Drink Cold Water

While you may focus your efforts on properly ventilating an indoor area with fans, open windows, or splits, don’t forget to regulate your body’s temperature as well. Even if your apartment’s interior receives little or no direct sunlight, hot air can still leave you parched. Hydrate regularly with cold water to cool down and prevent your body from overheating.

Unplug Appliances

Plugged in appliances, even when turned off and not in use, still generate heat. Unplug hairstyling tools, toasters, device chargers, computers, etc. to avoid producing unnecessary heat and further cool your apartment.

Cook Outside

Using kitchen appliances such as the stove and oven generate a lot of heat, making an apartment even more toasty. If permitted at your place, cook outside so you can avoid adding unwanted heat to your unit.

Use a Dehumidifier

While humidity is usually not a problem for Durango and southwest Colorado, if you find that you apartment feels constantly muggy, use a dehumidifier to draw the moisture out of hot air. Humid, warm air feels hotter than dry air, so a dehumidifier can create a more comfortable environment.

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