Extreme heat can seriously compromise health. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause hyperthermia, which manifests itself with cramps, edema and heat stroke.

When the heat is on, but not everyone has access to air conditioning equipment, it is essential to look for alternatives.

With the thermometer showing ever higher maximums, many families are looking for options to combat the heat without skyrocketing the electricity bill or depending on air conditioning. The good news is that there are proven methods—some as old as architecture itself—that allow the thermal sensation inside the home to be lowered by several degrees.

Strategies to stay cool without refrigeration

Control the light before it enters. The first step to keeping a room cool is to prevent heat from entering. Closing curtains, blinds or shutters during the hours of greatest sunlight—generally between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.—can make a noticeable difference. Specialists recommend light colors in curtains and awnings, as they reflect light better than dark tones, which tend to absorb heat.

Ventilate at the correct times. Counterintuitively, leaving the windows open all day doesn't always help. The key is to ventilate early in the morning and at night, when the outside air is cooler, and keep the house closed during peak heat hours. Generating cross currents—by opening opposite windows simultaneously—also promotes the circulation of fresh air.

Proper use of the fan. A fan does not cool the air, but it does accelerate the evaporation of sweat, which generates less thermal sensation. Placing a container of ice or a frozen bottle in front of the fan can enhance the effect, as the circulating air cools slightly as it passes by the ice.

Hydration. Drinking water frequently, even without feeling thirsty, helps the body regulate its internal temperature. Cold infusions, fruit-flavored water, and light foods with a high water content—such as watermelon, cucumber, or citrus—also help keep the body fresh from the inside.

Appropriate clothing and bedding. Opting for garments made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen, in light colors and loose cuts, improves skin perspiration. The same applies to bedding: lightweight, breathable sheets make it easier to get a night's rest, one of the most difficult moments during heat waves.

Warm showers, not freezing. Although it may seem contradictory, very cold water can generate a rebound effect: the body reacts by raising its internal temperature to compensate for the thermal shock. Warm or cool showers—not freezing—are more effective in lowering body temperature in a sustained manner.

Reduce the heat generated inside the home. Avoiding the use of ovens, irons or appliances that generate heat during the hottest hours of the day is another frequent recommendation among energy efficiency specialists. Cooking cold dishes or using the microwave instead of the traditional oven can prevent the interior temperature of the home from rising unnecessarily.

Plants and vegetation as natural allies. Having plants inside and outside the home is not just an aesthetic issue: vegetation generates shade and contributes to reducing ambient temperature through the transpiration of the leaves. Vines on windows or balconies can act as a natural barrier against direct sun.

Combined strategies

These strategies, combined with each other, can significantly reduce the sensation of heat inside the home without having to resort to artificial air conditioning systems, also offering considerable savings in electricity consumption during the most demanding months of the year.