When the thermometer climbs faster than your electricity bill in winter, it’s time to take action. During heatwaves, keeping your home cool can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are many simple (and often cost-effective) solutions and tips for coping with the heat without turning your living room into a sauna.
Here’s a complete guide to transforming your home into an oasis of freshness… or almost.
🪟 1. Close the windows... at the right time
scorching heat at home: our cool solutions
It may seem counterintuitive, but opening the windows in the middle of the day means inviting the heat in for dinner. Not a good idea.
Tips :
- Close windows, shutters and curtains as soon as the sun is shining.
- Open wide at night and early in the morning, when temperatures are lower.
- Create night-time draughts to ventilate your home naturally.
💡 Bonus tip: use thermal curtains or survival blankets on sun-exposed windows. Not very decorative, but devilishly effective.
🧺 2. Refresh rooms with simple means
You don’t need a state-of-the-art air conditioner to lower your indoor temperature. Sometimes, the best solutions to heat are the simplest.
Examples of practical tips :
- Hang a wet sheet in front of an open window.
- Place a bowl of ice cubes or a frozen bottle in front of a fan.
- Spread damp linen around the room: evaporation absorbs the heat.
🚫 Avoid: turning on the oven or hobs in the middle of the day. Prefer salads or cold (and fresh!) meals.
💡 3. Turn off heat sources... even unsuspected ones
scorching heat at home: our cool solutions
Many appliances emit heat, even if you don’t realize it.
Simple solutions:
- Unplug unused chargers.
- Avoid using the computer or TV for too long.
- Switch to LEDs: they heat up much less than conventional bulbs.
A little gesture here, a little gesture there… and a few degrees less in the living room!
👕 4. Dress lightly, even at home
Staying in a swimsuit all day? No judgement. But the most important thing is to choose loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, bamboo…).
And for the night, forget the comforter: opt for a light sheet, or even nothing at all if you live alone and have no nosy neighbors 😉
🌿 5. Plants for natural cooling
scorching heat at home: our cool solutions
Yes, houseplants aren’t just for looks. Some help to improve air quality and maintain a certain freshness.
The champions of natural cooling :
- Ficus
- Aloe vera
- Areca
- Bamboo palm
Water them in the evening so they can breathe (and sweat) with you!
🚿 6. Refresh yourself (and not just your living room)
Sometimes, despite all precautions, the heat can get to you. So don’t forget to cool off regularly.
Simple tips :
- Tepid shower (not cold, as it gives a heat rebound effect).
- Spray or damp glove on wrists, nape of neck, feet.
- Ice footbath for an express effect.
And of course, stay hydrated: water, more water, always water (no mojito every 30 minutes, sorry 🍸).
🤝 7. Mutual aid and vigilance: sharing the heat
Think of your elderly neighbors, isolated people and even your pets. A simple visit, a phone call or a bowl of fresh water can make a huge difference.
🌞 To sum up
When it comes to heatwaves, every tip counts. Close your shutters, hang wet sheets, mist yourself, and above all, take care of yourself. Your home can become a cool, pleasant cocoon, without air conditioning or an indoor swimming pool.
And remember: warmth is temporary, but your comfort deserves to be permanent.
Read our latest article on the new 90-day/year limit for seasonal rentals.