Ways to stay cool without using air conditioning

Oak Park residents who either don’t have air conditioning or would like to limit their use of air conditioning have options for staying cool when temperatures rise. See below for five energy-efficient tips compiled by the non-profit Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (COOP):

• Open windows at night; close them during heat of the day
  • In the evening through early morning, put box fans in windows to draw out hot air and pull in cool air.
  • Open north and west windows in the morning. Open east and north windows a few inches during the afternoon.
• Limit sunshine in your home
  • Close curtains/blinds on east-facing windows in the morning. 
  • Close curtains/blinds on south and west windows mid-day to early evening
• Use cooling machines
  • Place a bucket of ice in front of a fan where you sitPurchase a standing air conditioning unit and vents out a window
  • Try a fan that uses water to add moisture to the air. 
• Put wet washcloths in the freezer and use them throughout the day. Try it with your pillowcase before bedtime.
   
• If your home becomes too hot, visit a local cooling center. Find more information about local cooling centers at www.oak-park.us/heatsafety24.