
It is that time of the year again - the air conditioners have been uncovered and the service men have been called. The electricity bill is going to be on a high the next 6 months, and turns out, even that is not enough to keep the heat at bay because hey, pocket ACs aren't a thing and we sweat it out on the roads anyway.
But coming back to our homes, we have got to maintain the chill vibe even when the air conditioners are not switched on. Come to think of it, some of us don't even have an AC because we live away from our families and can't afford to get one on our salaries. But that doesn't mean we sweat it out all night long, right?
So here are a few things you can do to make sure your room stays cooler than usual even without an AC playing a part.
1. Cross ventilation
This is the most basic step, no rocket science, thank you. During sleep hours, you can place a fan opposite where the window in the room is and voila! The cross ventilation helps keep the air flowing and therefore keeps the room cool.
2. Wet the bed
We are just trying to be funny. But you know the hot water bottle that you use in the winters to heat your bed? How about chilling that in the freezer and use it when sleeping? You know what else you can do? Keep your bed sheets in the freezer a few hours before night time and use them when it's time to sleep.
3. A makeshift AC?
Picture this: a bowl of ice kept in front of a blowing fan through the night. The air will pick up the cool of the ice and create a cool mist blowing your way.
4. Keep the blinds down
...through the day. Even better would be if you invest in blackout curtains that will keep the room cool by blocking out the sun. Insulation works both ways, people.
5. Cotton sheets, please
Light weight, light-coloured, cotton bed sheets are a huge huge win for everyone in summer. They absorb the heat and sweat off the body. Breathable fabric is obviously the way to go.
There you go - five easy and cheap ways to keep the mercury from rising in your own private space.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world