27 Products To Stay Cool In Summer Without A/C

July 21, 2023 Sielo Coleman

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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!

Price: $$

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

Price: $$

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

Price: $

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

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!