Strategies for maintaining a cool apartment for students: Top recommendations
================================================================================
On a hot summer day, finding ways to keep your apartment cool can be a challenge, especially when you're on a budget. Here are some practical, cost-effective methods to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Firstly, creating a natural wind tunnel is an effective strategy. By opening windows or doors at opposite ends of your apartment, you encourage airflow that flushes out warm air and pulls cooler air in [3]. This cross-ventilation is a natural and affordable way to cool your living space.
Secondly, using fans strategically can enhance this effect. Placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan will blow chilled air around, providing a low-cost DIY alternative to air conditioning [1]. Box fans or regular fans are ideal for this purpose, and the option to combine them with ice or frozen bottles adds an extra cooling boost.
Thirdly, blocking direct sunlight during the day is crucial in reducing indoor heat gain. Curtains or blinds can be employed to shield windows from the sun's rays, a tactic that is implied in the methods mentioned above [1][5].
Lastly, employing evaporative cooling in the cooler evening hours can be beneficial. Misting curtains or dampening floors can utilise evaporation for energy-free cooling [5].
These methods are not only effective but also easy on the wallet, requiring minimal supplies like fans or ice. They also avoid the high energy costs associated with running air conditioners, making them suitable for renters or anyone on a budget.
For those willing to spend a little more, portable air conditioners designed for small spaces (approximately 250 sq ft) are available starting around $400. However, the DIY and natural ventilation methods outlined above offer the best budget options for keeping your apartment cool in summer [2].
If your apartment is an older building, consider using the cool air from the hallway for your living space. And remember, keeping windows and doors closed during the day can prevent rooms from heating up, while opening the apartment door for ventilation can cool the apartment, although be aware of slamming doors and potential uninvited guests.
For outdoor activities, consider visiting the STUWO Heim Seestadt Aspern or the STUWO Heim Villach, the best summer activities in Graz, or the most beautiful lakes around Graz and Innsbruck, or one of the many bathing spots in Vienna. If nothing works to cool down your apartment, it is recommended to leave the apartment for a few hours and find outdoor activities to enjoy.
Lastly, making homemade banana ice cream, also known as nice cream, can be a creative way to cool off. All you need are frozen bananas, a blender, and optional other fruits and milk or milk alternatives.
Authored by Christina Pichler on July 15, 2021.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-box-fan/ [2] https://www.consumerreports.org/air-conditioning/portable-air-conditioners/ [3] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-create-cross-ventilation-1402425 [4] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-banana-ice-cream-1402439 [5] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-a-swamp-cooler-1402401
- To complement your summer lifestyle, exploring fashion-and-beauty trends can offer a fresh look, while finding new food-and-drink recipes can provide refreshing options to beat the heat.
- After enjoying a cool evening outdoors at popular summer spots like the STUWO Heim Seestadt Aspern or the STUWO Heim Villach, whet your appetite with homemade banana ice cream, a creative and delicious way to end the day.
