Surviving Bangladesh's heatwave: AC-Free solutions

As a heatwave sweeps across the country, many of us feel exhausted and restless all day. To combat the fatigue, it is not enough to stay indoors only — we also need to make sure the environment inside is cool and refreshing. While air conditioning is our go-to solution, we often tend to forget about the high-power usage, affordability issues, and technical difficulties.

To tackle the harsh sun this year, here are a few alternative cooling techniques you can follow to stay energised throughout the day, without depending on an AC.

Declutter your room

More often than not, a cluttered room can obstruct natural air flow, causing the room to trap heat. To regulate the indoor temperature, keeping your room clean and minimal can play a crucial role. Get rid of bulky furniture, heavy textiles and fabrics so that air can travel inside your room smoothly.

Remove items with heat-retaining materials like wool or velvet. Make sure to keep your flooring free of thick rugs — it will naturally feel cooler underfoot. Think of rearranging your furniture in a way that ensures lots of open space, as it ensures breezes to distribute cool air evenly throughout the room.

Place a wet sheet on your window

One of the most cost-effective ways to block the heat in your room is to place a wet sheet, preferably cotton-made light-coloured fabric by the window. As warm air from outside flows through the moist fabric, it draws heat out of the air, cooling it before it enters your room. This age-old technique works like a natural air-conditioner! Make sure to rewet the sheet every couple of hours to continue the cooling effect.

Place an ice tray or frozen water bottles in front of a fan

Placing a bowl of ice, frozen water bottles, or an ice pack in front of your portable fan can drastically cool down the room. In case you are using a ceiling fan only, keep a bucket full of ice or cold water in the room to achieve the same results. During the peak heat hours, this process can offer instant relief from the sweltering heat. This method is somewhat energy-efficient, and a quick and practical way to create a cool zone in any room.

Mind the lighting use

Did you know lighting has a strong impact on indoor temperatures? Traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs emit a significant amount of heat — making the surroundings feel uncomfortable. To avoid that, opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs, which not only consume less electricity, but also emit very little heat in comparison.

Dehumidify the air

If you are open to investing a little for a more effective cooling solution, a dehumidifier can be a smart choice. These devices work by eliminating excess moisture from the air, which in turn, helps maintain a cool environment. As a heatwave makes humidity levels reach higher, your skin feels sticky even if you are indoors. Keeping humidity under control can make sure you have a fresh atmosphere in the room, leaving you feeling comfortable.

Promote cross-ventilation and use plenty of greens

To make your home a little cosier and cooler in summer, make sure of proper cross ventilation in the room, so that fresh air can pass through the room without difficulty. If your room is situated on the west side where the heat gets harsher, opt for dark and double-layered curtains to reduce heat gain into your room.

If your home is right underneath the rooftop, you can wet the rooftop floor to keep your ceiling cool during the peak hours. Use plenty of greens by the windows and balconies to improve the air quality of your home.