5 Smart ways to keep your home cool during a heatwave

Hey there valuable mamas!

Let’s face it—there’s nothing more frustrating than feeling like you're living inside an oven when the heatwave hits. With the temperatures skyrocketing, our homes often feel more like saunas than sanctuaries. If the thought of cranking the A/C all day makes you cringe (or makes your wallet cringe), then it's time to get a little creative.

You don’t need to let the heat ruin your day—or your energy bill. Here are 5 smart, budget-friendly ways to keep your home cool, stay comfortable, and even make the heatwave a little more fun. After all, you’ve got this!

1. Block the Sun with Blackout Curtains: Your Secret Weapon

Blackout curtains are a total game-changer when it comes to reducing indoor heat. Think of them as your secret weapon against the sun’s fiery rays. During the hottest parts of the day (typically from 11 AM to 4 PM), draw those curtains tight, as if you're on a tropical vacation and need to keep the light out for a nap.

Here’s why it works: Blackout curtains prevent sunlight from streaming into your home, which can reduce the indoor temperature by up to 33%. That means your air conditioner won’t have to work overtime, and you’ll be able to kick back in a cooler space.

Pro tip: Opt for lighter-colored curtains. They reflect more sunlight than dark-colored ones, and you'll feel that difference, trust me.

2. Hack Your Fans—It’s Not Just About Blowing Air Around

Fans are often the unsung heroes of summer cooling, but you’ve got to use them right. Don’t just point them at you and hope for the best! Here's how to get the most out of your fans:

Ice, Ice Baby: Place a large bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a box fan. As the fan blows, it will cool the air for a refreshing breeze.

Ceiling Fans in Reverse: If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it’s spinning counterclockwise in the summer. This setting pushes cool air downward, making your room feel cooler.

Create Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze, and point the fan outwards in one window to push hot air out while pulling cool air in.

Who knew physics could make you feel so cool?

3. Channel Your Inner Pioneer and Ditch the Stove

When the temperature outside is scorching, turning on the oven or stove feels like a bad idea. Cooking in a heatwave isn’t just uncomfortable—it can crank up the indoor temperature to unbearable levels.

Instead, get a little creative with no-cook meals:

Grilled goodness: Fire up the grill and take your cooking outdoors—grilled veggies, meats, and even fruit can be deliciously refreshing.

Cold plates: Prepare salads, fresh fruit bowls, or chilled pasta dishes (hello, pasta salad). No heat required, just fresh ingredients!

Slow-cooked comfort: If you must use heat, lean on the slow cooker or Instant Pot. They’ll do all the hard work without overheating your home.

Even better, involve the kids. Let them assemble their own sandwiches, fruit skewers, or wraps. It’s fun, interactive, and you get to skip the heat!

4. Turn Your Home into a Cool Cave with Strategic Airflow

Who doesn’t love the idea of having a cool, dark cave to retreat to during a heatwave? With the right setup, your house can be just that.

Here’s how you can create your own cool oasis:

Draping wet sheets in front of windows: Yes, it sounds like something your grandparents might have done, but it works! Place a damp sheet in front of an open window. The evaporating water cools the incoming air, giving you a natural, eco-friendly air conditioner effect.

Shut off unused rooms: Keep doors closed to rooms you’re not using, so the cool air you’ve managed to trap stays where you need it. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make.

Want to feel even cooler? Take a cool shower or spritz your face with cold water every now and then. It’ll work wonders in keeping your body temperature down.

5. Embrace the Cool Night Air—But Only If You’re Quick!

The good news is that once the sun sets, the temperature usually drops—your perfect opportunity to scoop up that cool, fresh air. But timing is everything:

Open your windows wide in the evening to let the cool breeze sweep through your home.

Close everything (windows, curtains, blinds) before the morning heat kicks in, trapping that lovely cool air inside.

Bonus idea: For an extra chill factor, toss your sheets or a pillow into the freezer for 10 minutes before bed. It might sound a little quirky, but once you lay down on those cool sheets, you’ll thank me.

So, there you have it! You don’t need a high-powered A/C or a fancy cooling system to survive a heatwave. Just a little creativity, some clever tricks, and maybe a few frozen snacks to keep your spirits high. Remember, staying cool is about more than just temperature—it's about enjoying your home and the moments you share with family!

Take care, Katerina