In the midst of a blistering heatwave, we’re not just looking to cool ourselves—we’re aiming to turn our home into a thermal sanctuary without sacrificing style. The simplest route might seem to rely on the legendary air conditioner and leave it on all day, but that would mean a hefty electricity bill.
Fortunately, there are practical and (almost) immediate solutions to beat the heat. This is where Jorge Ángel (@enfermerojorgeangel), a nurse and home-wellbeing expert, comes into play. The healthcare professional shares on his TikTok channel five practical and effective tips to keep high temperatures at bay from home, and — without air conditioning!
Lower the Blinds, Elevate Comfort
A golden rule that many forget: lower the blinds during the day, especially in rooms we don’t use. Glass surfaces accumulate and transmit a lot of heat. By keeping them covered, we block direct sunlight and maintain a more stable temperature.
For that, opt instead for thermal blinds or light-toned blackout curtains that, besides being functional, blend perfectly with minimalist or Mediterranean decor.
Cross-Ventilation: The Breeze as an Ally
When the sun starts to drop, open one window (or two). Jorge Ángel recommends taking advantage of the cooler hours of the day to ventilate, creating a cross-breeze between opposite windows. This natural airflow quickly refreshes the rooms.
An extra tip: placing conventional fans strategically can help boost this circulation without breaking the space’s aesthetic. In fact, there are designer models that are truly decorative pieces.
Water Spray
A quick and refreshing solution would be to lightly spray the room with a water sprayer. The mist suspended in the air helps drop the perceived temperature by a few degrees. If you prefer, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus to combine cooling with an aromatic experience, heightening the comfort and atmosphere of the home.
Additionally, pothos and snake plant also help refresh the environment.
Appliances, Only at Night
We often overlook that appliances such as the washing machine or dishwasher emit a lot of heat during operation. That’s why the expert recommends programming them to run at night, when temperatures have already cooled. This practice not only cools the surroundings but also helps cut energy consumption during off-peak hours.
LED Lighting
Besides being more efficient, LED lights generate barely any heat. Replacing traditional bulbs with this modern and stylish option offers a double benefit: lower energy consumption and a cooler ambiance. Today, warm LED strips or retro-designed lamps are a decorating trend you can adapt to any style.
Photography | Cottonbro Studio for Pexels, @enfermerojorgeangel
In Decoesfera | A window expert explains how to use the ‘caveman’s method’ to lower home temperature in summer
In Decoesfera | This is the most effective way to use air conditioning without triggering high electricity bills, according to an energy engineer