Summer’s high temperatures make it difficult for people to sleep, but not everyone has access to air conditioning or can afford it. Fortunately, there are simple ways to create DIY air conditioning to help lower the room temperature, allowing people to get a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at what the experts have to say.
According to a report by the UK’s “Daily Express,” sleep expert and neurophysiologist Nerina Ramlakhan from Oak Tree Mobility shared tips on creating a DIY air conditioning system to keep indoor spaces cool during hot weather.
Ramlakhan stated, “Having trouble falling asleep in high temperatures can be frustrating and leave you feeling sleep-deprived. To ensure ample sleep during the summer months, focus on two key things – cooling down your environment and body.”
She mentioned that the ideal sleeping temperature for a good night’s rest is between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, which may be challenging to achieve in summer. However, there are measures one can take to lower the room temperature.
When introducing the DIY air conditioning method, she explained that all you need is a fan and two additional items: a tray and some ice cubes. “Placing a tray of ice cubes in front of the fan can create a simple DIY air conditioning system,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of positioning the tray correctly to ensure the airflow from the fan passes over the ice. As the ice melts in front of the fan, the room temperature will decrease. Activating this DIY air conditioning about 20 minutes before bedtime can help cool down the bedroom.
Further recommendations were also mentioned. “When the outdoor temperature is lower than indoors, open windows and have the fan facing outward to expel hot air. If your bedroom is upstairs and too hot for sleeping, consider moving downstairs. Hot air rises, so staying on a lower floor in a multi-story house may feel more comfortable.”
Moreover, it was suggested to keep windows closed during the day and draw curtains or blinds to block out the heat from sunlight. When the outdoor temperature is lower than inside (usually in the early morning or late night), windows should be opened to allow air circulation.
Avoid using ovens that release a lot of heat when cooking. Opt for bedding made from breathable natural fibers like cotton or linen for better ventilation.
Katie Mortram, an editor at “Good Housekeeping,” previously shared her homemade air conditioning system. Her approach was similar to Ramlakhan’s but involved freezing plastic bottles filled with water instead of using ice cubes directly.
Mortram mentioned that the larger the bottle, the longer the “cooling” effect lasts. She warned against directly freezing sealed water bottles, as water expands as it freezes, causing the plastic to crack. She recommended filling empty plastic bottles with water up to 75%, then freezing them in the refrigerator.
Once the water in the bottle freezes, place it on a tray, cover it with a damp cloth (soaked in cold water), and position the tray in front of a fan.
She highlighted that her DIY air conditioning system provided a cooler and better-ventilated room compared to just opening windows, reducing pollen levels to a minimum. However, the cooling effect was limited in duration.
After running the makeshift system for two hours, Mortram checked and found that about half the ice had melted, with the indoor temperature at 26 degrees Celsius. Although there was condensation on the plastic bottle, the cloth covering had dried out. She rinsed the cloth with cold water to reinvigorate its cooling effect in front of the fan.
After four hours, the ice had completely melted, no longer cooling the airflow. The damp cloth still had some effect, but the true cooling power came from the ice water bottle.
Mortram concluded that while four hours may not seem long, it provided a wholly different experience in sweltering weather. During this period, her bedroom felt rejuvenated, so comfortable she didn’t want to leave!
Of course, DIY air conditioning cannot compete with conventional systems, and its usage is limited, requiring electricity from the fridge and fan. Nevertheless, the power consumption from using a fridge and fan is negligible compared to standard air conditioning.
She noted that while this method only offers temporary relief, it is both cost-effective and efficient.