The Great 'Ways to keep cool' Hunt

papier_puppe

I bought this fan a couple of weeks ago:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4250090.htm

It's not the nicest thing to look at, but its very very powerful and cools my room in minutes. (I tend to point it at the ceiling, I don't like wind in my eyes and the room feels fresher!)

It's also a bit of a pain in the backside to set up, but that's not a huge issue as i'm hoping to keep it for a while!! For £23, I think it's a bargain!!

Tiger_greeneyes

I've bought a couple of empty spray bottles (about 100ml in size) I put cold water and a few drops of peppermint essential oil them. Put the bottles in the fridge to chill and then spray yourself whenever you need cooling down - the peppermint oil is lovely and cooling and gives you an extra chill on your skin, especially if you're sat in front of a fan. When I'm really hot I part my hair and spray my scalp too. I always have two bottles in the fridge, you don't run out of the chilled water that way. Sparkling water is even better than tap water, it fizzes on your skin. You can get 2 litre bottles of sparkling water in asda for about 17p

redglass_2

Leave the bath full of plain cold water and get in it whenever you need to cool down. (Use your own judgment as to how many times you use it before you change the water!) This is restful and relaxing on a hot day, and not running a new bath each time makes it quick and easy to do.

EmehEm2005

Kernow_Kid wrote: »

A simple idea, easily explained.
Open both a downstairs window and an upstairs window.
As heat rises, it will escape through the upper window, thus drawing in cooler air through the downstairs, even causing a slight draught on still nights.
This does work, I've been doing it for years.
Just make sure your windows are secure!

I live in an upstairs flat... some people own a bungalow...

Mike

bmcws

Whilst on holiday in SE Asia, I remember seeing huge fans with water atomisers (spraying out a big plum of mist). Probably could rig up a miniture version of that, though I think it woundn't help too much indoors unless everything is waterproof. It would be a bit of a waste of water too!

DebtFree

Waterbeds maintain the temperature you should be at. Therefore in winter they feel warm when the room is cold, & in summer they feel cool when the room is hot. They always help you get to the most comfortable / correct temperature.

Ensure you are aware of the electricity costs before purchasing though.

Marymo

KTee, I found this with Google:

http://www.seabreezewholesale.com/watmisfanea.html

Most US firms will post to the UK and the exchange rate is in our favour at the moment!

gailsmum

Our bedroom and dressing room get REALLY hot, being timber built and with very big windows. Last summer I made extra linings for the curtains with 'blackout' fabric (it's white actually) and what a difference it made! They don't need to be gathered etc, only just the width of the window, hang on the existing curtain hooks and are sooo worth the effort. Keep them closed while the sun is hot then open them and the windows later in the day. Hope you'll be as amazed as I was with the result.
You can buy ready made blackout linings too but if you're any good at sewing and want to save money...:j

helix_2

I bought a portable air con unit from B&Q a couple of summers ago.

It really does the job cooling the room. You put the hose through the window, and although it is a bit noisy (louder that the fixed units my parents use in their house in cyprus), it works well and doesn't disturb my sleep.

I think it was around £250 to £300. alot of money but well worth it considering the hot summers we have now. You wouldn't think twice about spending 3 or 4 thousand on central heating so why not spend a few hundred on an air con unit?

Although the window is open for the output hose, the overall effect cools a 12ft X 12ft room very nicely!

helix

denimmaterial

FunkyMunkey wrote: »

I heard that DJ Johnno Coleman suggest sticking a bowl of ice water under your desk at work, then just sit with your feet in it all day and it will keep you cool.

You might get some strange looks, though

This is also my favourite solution to overheating during the day. At night I have something called a Chillow which is basically a flat "hot" waterbottle filled with cold water. I have it in bed at my feet, but it is comfortable enough to put your head on. I got it from either QVC or Ideal World on TV.