To cool down a room and evacuate hot air, there are several practical steps you can take depending on your resources and situation. If you have air conditioning, that’s the most direct solution—set it to a comfortable temperature, close doors and windows, and let it circulate cool air. Make sure the filters are clean so it runs efficiently.
Without AC, focus on ventilation and heat management. Open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a cross breeze, ideally during cooler parts of the day like early morning or evening. Use fans strategically: place one near a window blowing inward to pull in cooler air, and another facing outward to push hot air out. If it’s hotter outside than inside, keep windows and curtains or blinds closed during the day to block sunlight—dark, thick curtains work best.
Lower humidity if it’s muggy, since moist air feels hotter. A dehumidifier helps, or you can place bowls of ice in front of a fan for a DIY cooling effect as the ice melts and the fan blows the chilled air. Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens or stoves, and turn off unnecessary electronics that give off warmth.
For quick relief, dampen a towel with cold water and hang it in front of an open window or fan—the evaporating water will cool the air slightly as it passes through. If the room has a ceiling fan, run it counterclockwise to pull hot air up and away.
The key is controlling airflow and minimizing heat sources.
