whats the best way to keep a house cool in summer if you don't have air con only a electric fan?

Question

is it best to have windows open or shut

Answer 1

Windows open front and back (if you have them!) to create a draught.

Answer 2

This depends upon the whether where you live, the humidity and which way your house faces. Open all windows after sundown and use fans to cool the house as much as possible. (fans placed in or near a window will be most effective) At sunrise, close the curtains of the windows that face the sun. If it is not too humid where you live, leaving the windows open all day will keep your house coolest. If it is very humid, you might think about investing in a dehumidifier since humidity makes it feel warmer and keeps your body's natural cooling system from working properly. As the sun sets, close drapes or curtains that face the sun and open others. Your house will still be very warm during the middle of the day. You may want to plan errands during these hours.
Avoid cooking indoors. Try eating as many raw foods as possible and possibly grilling food outdoors.
Finally, an attic fan is best for whole-house cooling.

Answer 3

If the air outside is hotter than inside then keep your windows shut and the curtains drawn if you have light coloured curtains. Then have your fan going inside to keep the air moving and cooler.

If you have very dark coloured curtains they tend to absorb the heat if the sun is shining directly on them so keep them open and the fan going.

If the air is cooler outside or windy leave the windows open and the curtains half drawn to let some of the air through so it can circulate by itself.

Answer 4

In hot countries I noticed they have the curtains/blinds shut during the day and open them in the evening. I think electric fans make things worse. You could put some wet washing to dry around the house this will moisten the air.

Answer 5

A good way is get a basin of ice cold water (add ice from fridge) place it in front of the fan and let the air blow on to it the air coming off of it will cool down the room. Very hot out side windows shut this is a way we cool our houses in Africa . I hope it workes for you all the best "Bee man"

Answer 6

Get a bowl full of atleast 20 litrs of water, then set the fan behind the bowl and start the fan.

The water vapor will help the room cool a bit and if possible open the windows and close the curtains and donot turn anything like lights as they creat heat.

Answer 7

Keep the windows shut and the curtains shut and the heat will stay out. Open them all when the sun is setting.

Answer 8

Depends if it's hotter outside than in! If it is, keep the windows shut. If hotter inside, open the windows. The fan won't really cool anything, just move the air around.

We tend to have the windows open anyway, if only to get some fresh air.

Answer 9

Windows open and try putting a bowl of ice infront of your fan you will be amazed that that really cools the air down.

Answer 10

electric fans are cool, i find that tower fans give better cooling of tha air for some reason.

other than that, open windows, try to keep the number of electrical appliances you have turned on, to a minimum, as they produce heat (tv's etc).....keep windows on draft vents at night if possible and drink plenty of water!

Answer 11

i open all the windows and doors (doors only when im in the house) and then close the curtains. this will stop most of the sun light/rays getting into the building and making it hot. i do it every year.