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27 Products To Stay Cool In Summer Without A/C

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Once the warmer weather starts to roll in, we know that the summer sun is soon approaching, too. If you live in the southern United States, you know that the hot summer heat can feel like it is never going to end.

Summer also means that the kids are out of school, local pools open up, and you might even be heading off for a family road trip. However, it’s important to make sure that you are staying safe in the summer heat by keeping cool and avoiding dangerous heat-induced situations.

What Are The Dangers of Summer Heat?

Summer heat can lead to heavy sweating and/or dehydration. However, when summer temperatures become extreme, it can lead to more severe symptoms, including: headache, nausea, cramps, dizziness, and increased body temperature. All of these symptoms can quickly turn into dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.

Courtesy of the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when there is too much fluid lost from the body. This most frequently happens when you are losing more fluids—often through sweating—than you are taking in. Without adequate fluid, your body will no longer be able to work properly.

Heat Cramps

Another summer condition closely related to dehydration, painful heat cramps can be caused due to water and electrolyte loss. These involuntary muscle cramps are often caused by heavy sweating during physical activity or exercise. Rehydrating and moving to a cooler environment will often remedy these spasms.

Heat Rash

When sweat builds up on the skin, blocking pores, it can become irritated, resulting in a heat rash. While often not severe, heat rash can cause little blisters to form on the surface of the skin, itching and irritation. Getting out of the sun and hot weather into a cooler environment often remedies heat rash without any additional treatment.

Sunburn

We are likely all very familiar with sunburn. Sunburn is the painful, red skin that develops after overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Sunburns can range from mild redness to severe blistering and peeling.

Sun Poisoning

When a sunburn is severe, it is referred to as sun poisoning. This condition not only includes symptoms of sunburn, but can also include:

  • Fainting

  • Blistering and/or peeling skin

  • Pain or tingling

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Confusion

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

Unlike sunburn, sun poisoning often requires medical attention to avoid becoming worse.

Heat Exhaustion

Overexposure to high temperatures, often coupled with high levels of physical exertion, can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms can develop slowly, so it is very important to spot the early warning signs to prevent heat exhaustion from developing into the more severe form, heat stroke.

Symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating

  • Goose bumps

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Headache

Heat Stroke

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and sun exposure can lead to heat stroke when your body is unable to cool down properly. Severe heatstroke can lead to damage of vital organs and become life-threatening.

Symptoms include:

  • High heart rate

  • Rapid breathing

  • Heavy sweating

  • Fever greater than 103 F

  • Headache

  • Slurred speech

  • Fever

  • Nausea

Who Is Most at Risk During the Summer?

While everyone is at risk of developing a heat-related illness in the summer, there are many who are at increased risk, such as:

  • Elderly adults

  • Young children

  • Sufferers of chronic illnesses

How to Stay Safe & Keep Cool in the Summer

Regardless of the summer temperature, ensure that you are taking the proper precautions to avoid any heat-related illnesses. These simple activities and tips can be an excellent reminder to help you stay cool this summer.

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Consider supplementing water consumption with electrolytes, such as Liquid IV or coconut water.

  • Avoid caffeine (such as coffee or energy drinks) as these beverages can lead to dehydration.

  • Keep window blinds closed to block out the sun’s rays. Optionally, swap curtains in the summer with thicker, insulated or blackout curtains to keep your home or bedroom cooler.

  • Check to make sure that your air conditioner is working properly.

  • Inspect weather stripping and seals to prevent cool air from leaving your home.

  • Avoid extended periods of time outside or in direct sunlight.

  • Keep wet, cool towels in your home to place on your neck or forehead.

  • Keep strenuous exercise to a minimum, or exercise in the early morning when temperatures are lower.

  • Wear light, sweat-wicking material to allow skin to naturally perspire.

  • If you cannot avoid the sun, invest in clothing with UV-protection or wide-brimmed hats.

  • Always apply sunscreen before going outside.

  • Never leave small children or pets in the car, even with a window open. Did you know: After one hour in the sun, the average car temperature is 43 degrees higher that the outside temperature!

  • Avoid turning on unnecessary appliances, such as the stove or oven, to keep your home cool.

  • Stay informed. Watch news and weather reports, check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and know the early warning signs of heat-related illness.

Affordable Cooling Products For The Hottest Summer

If none of those lifestyle changes are included in what you would consider a fun summer, then maybe some household appliances are what you’re looking for. You shouldn’t have to pay a steep price to be cool in your own home. So here are some of the best gadgets to use and stay cool without the AC!

Price Reference (average price):

$ | Under $10
$$ |
Between $10-$40
$$$ |
More than $40

Cooling Soaps

It’s going to take more than a powerful fan to stay cool in the summer. You may be surprised to know that a good way to stay cool in the heat begins with the soap you use! 

Image: Amazon

Cucumber Cool Moisture Bar

Dove

Price: $

With a near 5-star rating, this dermatologist-recommended bar soap is loved for its cooling, refreshing, and deeply moisturizing properties as well as its lovely scent.


Image: Amazon

Icy Cool Body Wash

Nivea

Price: $$

Using menthol is a guaranteed way to feel cooler, but it’s not something you’d want to use by itself as it can cause skin irritation. This cooling body soap dilutes the menthol for you making it a safe way for all skin types to feel icy, clean, and refreshed.


Image: Target

Fresh Outlast Body Wash

Olay

Price: $

We all love a good viral TikTok recommendation and this one is one of our favorites. Not only is the scent addicting, but so are its extreme hydration powers and cooling sensation, all powered by mint.


Cooling Moisturizers

The summertime heat is the perfect excuse to switch out your go-to moisturizer for something new. Applying a soothing moisturizer with cooling effects will help you feel cool and calm your skin from the seasonal irritants that summer brings, like sunburns and pesky mosquito bites.

Image: Amazon

Revitalizing Peppermint Body Lotion

Avalon Organics

Price: $

Countless five-star reviews are why this one is a summer must-have. Its hours' long-lasting cooling effects are undeniable! 


Image: Amazon

Medicated Body Lotion

Gold Bond

Price: $

Are you needing something with extra strength? This fan favorite is a potent triple threat: anti-itch, cooling, and extra moisturizing. It’s the best summer body lotion, especially if you plan on hiking and camping. 


Aloe Vera Gel

Eden Dews

Price: $$

Sunburn can be one of the most painful experiences, but this soothing gel will cool you down, hydrate your skin, and help to treat your burns quickly!


Cooling Fans

Fans are the best alternative to air conditioning. While they still use electricity, they require nowhere near as much as a traditional air conditioner or window unit, meaning that they reduce your bill and help the environment–all while still allowing you to be comfortable and cool in your own home.

Image: Amazon

Portable Neck Fan & Sun Visor

TechFronton

Price: $$

Summer is the season for amusement park fun, but it comes with a price: the heat. After all, it can be hard to have fun in the sun when you are overheating. That’s where this personal fan comes into play. It can be worn as a visor that protects your face or directly around your neck. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy hours of sun-filled activities comfortably! 


Image: Amazon

USB Rechargeable Mini Pocket Fan

JISULIFE

Price: $$

This mini fan fits right into your purse and conveniently recharges via USB. Plus, did we mention the adorable packaging?


Image: Amazon

Remote Controlled Oscillating Fan

R.W. Flame

Price: $$$

You won’t even need to get up to turn this fan to your preferred settings.


Image: Target

Best Splurge-Worthy Fan

Whole Room Air Circulator Fan

Vornado

Price: $$$

Just like a tornado, this small fan is mighty. But don’t let its size fool you–this fan can make even large rooms feel as cold as winter. No wonder it has topped many best fans lists! 


Image: Amazon

Best Budget-Friendly Fan

Turbo Force Table Fan

Honeywell

Price: $$

If you’re looking for the most affordable quality fan, look no further than this table fan that can also be mounted on the wall!


Cool Bedding

Night sweats are common year-round. But it’s no surprise that the summer heat can worsen sweating while you sleep. One of the best ways to prevent waking up drenched in sweat is sleeping in fabrics that are made from bamboo. Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking and works to regulate your body temperature to help control sweat while you rest peacefully. 

Image: Amazon

Bamboo Sheet Set

Lux Club

Price: $$$

Are you a person who loves hotel bed sheets? Get your own hotel-quality sheets with these super soft sheets that are derived from bamboo. 


Image: Amazon

Breathable Cooling Sheets

Bedsure

Price: $$$

Extra silky, extra soft, and extra cooling, these bamboo-rayon blend sheets will have you sleeping sweat-free like royalty. 


Image: Amazon

Microfiber Comforter

L Lovsoul

Price: $$

Some people are afraid of sleeping with a comforter during summer because many trap heat. This microfiber insert will ease all of those worries by giving you breathable sleep, no matter the temperature. 


Image: Amazon

Summer Cooling Comforter

Bedsure

Price: $$

Some call this a blanket, others call it a comforter. No matter what you call it, it's perfect for summer nights. Some reviewers even rave that they don’t want to turn on the AC because this cool bedding works so well. 


Image: Amazon

Bamboo Duvet Set

DOZ by SIJO

Price: $$$

This soft set has all the coverage you need for nights in the heat. 


Image: Kohl’s

Cool Touch Pillow

Sealy

Price: $$

If you ever find yourself getting hot around your neck and head while you sleep, you’ll love this thin cooling pillow!


Curtains and Covers

No matter the type of window coverage, a key way to stay cool in your home without the AC is to block out the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Image: Amazon

Blackout Grommet Curtains

Sun Zero

Price: $-$$

These affordable blackout curtains will protect you from peeping neighbors and hot summer rays.


Image: Amazon

Heat Blocking Window Film

jahoot

Price: $$

You’ve heard of car window tints, but have you heard of home window tints? These window covers will reduce the temperature in your home by blocking out the heat. 


Image: Amazon

Magnetic Thermal Insulated Door Curtain

Reliancer

Price: $$

In addition to window curtains, adding a door curtain is an extra step to help keep the cool inside.


Dehumidifiers 

Humidity can make 80-degree days feel like it’s 105. That’s a big reason why moisture-removing appliances are a summer cooling must-have! The best way to remove moisture from your home is by plugging in an energy-efficient dehumidifier. Other benefits of these appliances include improved air quality, pest control, and even allergen removal. 

Image: Amazon

Room Dehumidifier

Pro Breeze

Price: $$$

This must-have is the go-to dehumidifier for thousands and for good reason. It’s affordable, quiet, reliable, and guaranteed to remove moisture and help cool down your home. 


Image: Amazon

Dehumidifier Night Light

Sanvinder

Price: $$

What’s better than a dehumidifier that makes your space more breathable and cool? A dehumidifier that can glow in your favorite color! 


Image: Amazon

Disposable Moisture Absorber

Damprid

Price: $

Like a dehumidifier, this cheap moisture absorber will significantly reduce your energy consumption while still helping to reduce moisture in your rooms. 


Food & Drink

Sometimes staying cool in the summer is about having a frozen beverage or an icy sweet treat to keep the heat away (or at least make it bearable)!

Image: Amazon

Insulated Freezable Drink Glasses

Host

Price: $$

Never let your drink get warm again. This insulated drinkware goes into your freezer and comes out cold right when you want it — and never worry about watering down your beverage with ice again! Ideal as a gift for your favorite hostess or to serve guests during a backyard party.


Image: Amazon

Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Maker

Cuisipro

Price: $$

This ice cream sandwich maker is a great activity to do with kids when the weather is hot. Use your favorite cookies and ice cream to customize your frozen treat.


Image: Amazon

Instant Beverage Cooler

HyperChiller

Price: $$

Cold beverages, instantly. The HyperChiller can cool hot coffee in just 60 seconds, without watering it down! Perfect for any summertime beverage.


Image: Amazon

Pool Float Beverage Holder

iShyan

Price: $$

This might be our favorite item on this list. Who doesn’t love a cute beverage holder? Especially when we don’t have to leave the pool for a summer cocktail or other beverage.


Image: Amazon

Electrolyte Drink Mix

Liquid I.V.

Price: $$

When it comes to making sure that you are beating the summer heat, there is nothing more crucial than staying hydrated. These individual serving stick packs provide 3x times the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks and 5 essential vitamins!

Summer is here which means two things: temperatures are rising and so are your electricity bills. Be proactive and reduce your monthly expenses with some of these affordable ways to enjoy a summer without (or with less) AC!