Close Shutters, Use Wet Linen: Anti-Heatwave Tips for a Cooler Home

As heatwaves grip regions, keeping homes cool without air conditioning presents a common challenge. Experts recommend fundamental strategies, starting with external shutters. Closing them throughout the day, particularly on the east side in the morning, south at noon, and west in the afternoon, is advised to block solar heat gain.

Maintaining closed windows is crucial as long as the outside temperature exceeds the inside temperature. In urban areas, the heat island effect means that asphalt radiates stored heat long after sunset. Therefore, it may be necessary to wait until the early morning hours before opening windows to let in cooler air.

Once the outside air is cooler, opening windows wide can create beneficial cross-breezes. For those with limited window access, a fan placed in a window and directed outwards can help push hot air out, creating an "exhaust" effect that draws cooler air in. While fans can also offer personal cooling by enhancing heat exchange with the skin, this benefit diminishes and can even become counterproductive if ambient air temperatures exceed 36-37°C, potentially increasing dehydration.