How to keep homes cool during a heatwave without air conditioning

As Romania grapples with increasingly high temperatures, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment without air conditioning presents a significant challenge. Specialists offer several recommendations to help residents mitigate the heat and keep their homes cooler during these sweltering days.

The primary advice focuses on strategic ventilation: residents should air out their homes during the cooler nighttime hours, ideally after 10 p.m., and continue until around 10 a.m. the following morning. Conversely, during the day, especially if cross-ventilation isn't possible, it is recommended to keep doors and windows shut to prevent hot air from entering.

According to the World Health Organization, ideal indoor temperatures should remain below 32°C (90°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Electric fans can offer some relief, but only when outdoor temperatures are below 35°C (95°F); above this, they can potentially exacerbate the heat.

Blocking direct sunlight is another key strategy. Thick curtains, blinds, and dark-colored drapes, especially on sun-facing windows, can prevent up to 30% of heat from entering the home. Closing off unused rooms also helps reduce the area that needs cooling and limits hot air circulation. Additionally, residents are advised to turn off appliances that generate heat, such as ovens, stoves, clothes dryers, irons, powerful computers, and large televisions, as these contribute to the overall indoor temperature.

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In the ideal case, the room temperature should be maintained below 32 °C during the day and 24 °C at night.