Home cooling tips: simple tricks to beat summer heat

Experts recommend several low‑cost methods to keep indoor temperatures comfortable during hot weather.

One approach, dubbed the “caveman method,” suggests closing blinds and windows by 9 a.m. to block direct sunlight, especially on west‑facing rooms, and then using cross‑ventilation in the evening. Window specialist Joseph Holman of Green Door advises adding external shading such as awnings or potted plants, and using reflective film or cardboard behind curtains to further reduce solar gain.

Additional suggestions include using blackout curtains or reflective window film, reversing ceiling‑fan direction, creating DIY cold packs, setting up backyard sprinklers or misting systems, cooking with slow cookers or air‑fryers instead of ovens, and wearing lightweight breathable fabrics. These measures aim to lower reliance on air‑conditioning, reduce energy bills, and improve comfort during periods of high temperatures, such as the severe drought reported in North Carolina.