8 ways to beat the summer's biggest buzz-kill: High electricity bills

Chubhti jalti garmi ka mausam aaya, and we all know what that means. A scorching summer awaits, and it’s time to pick your battle—crank up the AC and bask in its icy blast, only to break into a sweat when you see your monthly bijli ka bill, or prepare to be baked by a brutal heatwave. But before you resign yourself to a season of skyrocketing bills or prickly heat, consider secret option C: alternative ways to keep your house cool without air conditioning.

In the desert of summer expenses, we’ve found an oasis of energy-saving strategies to keep your house cool with just a few home adjustments, sustainable habits and DIY hacks.

And it’s prudent to be energy efficient this season. A recent PTI report stated that peak power demand in India is estimated to rise by 7% this summer, which not only means more expenses, but also the possibility of power outages. So, join us on a journey to discover the art of passive cooling and the science of strategic airflow to combat the extreme temperatures. But remember, this list is best applied to regions that experience dry heat rather than the double whammy of heat plus humidity, which gives rise to our formidable nemesis: mould.

How to keep your house cool without air conditioning

Ditch the carpets and rugs: Embrace the cooling sensation of your bare feet touching the smooth surface of marble or stone tiles. Removing heavy floor coverings for the season will not only give your home a lighter feel, but also help your feet breathe easy.

Strategise airflow: Invite the cool breeze of early mornings and evenings into your home while letting out warm air. You can also cross-ventilate by opening windows on opposite ends of the house for a full reset. It is important to get the timing right; during summer, this sweet spot falls between 5 AM and 8 AM, and then again between 7 PM and 10 PM, when the air is still pleasant.

Opt for a black-out: Your instinct may be to choose summery drapes in light hues and lower your blinds, but your best bet against the harsh afternoon sun is using black-out curtains. By blocking out the sunlight, your room is naturally insulated, and you can also stick to neutral tones for a soothing look.

Heatproof your bed: Say goodbye to sweaty nights and hello to a restful slumber by making this simple yet effective switch. Stick to cotton and bamboo sheets for your bedding. These natural fabrics feel soft against your skin and also boast excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping you dry and comfortable. Opt for lighter hues, as they reflect rather than absorb heat, and make your bed a soft sanctuary even on the hottest of nights.

Exhaust those exhaust fans: Turn on bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to expel the hot air generated while showering or cooking. Letting out the warm air immediately can reduce indoor heat levels. Even better, do this as you cross-ventilate your home.

Freeze your sheets: Simply toss your bedsheets into a plastic bag and stack them in the freezer for a few hours before hitting the hay. As the icy chill seeps into the fabric, your sheets will transform into frosty cocoons of comfort. The sensation is nothing short of heavenly—a welcome respite on sweltering summer nights.

Go old-school with blinds: Remember khus, the vetiver curtains or blinds that were hanging in your dadi’s home during the summer holidays? It’s time for them to make a comeback. Spray the curtains down with water, and kick back as they convert the hot, dry wind into a fragrant, damp indoor breeze. Remember to wipe them down and let them air dry when not in use to prevent dust and mould build-up.

If you’re not looking to make any new purchases, heatwave researcher Dr Gulrez Shah Azhar suggests hanging slightly damp curtains to create a similar effect in this article for NPR.

Choose the right indoor plants: Be intentional with your indoor garden by choosing plants with high transpiration rates. Certain species of plants, such as peace lilies, spider plants and snake plants, have considerable cooling properties. These green companions add a touch of lushness to your surroundings, and play a pivotal role in regulating indoor temperatures. Through the process of transpiration, these plants release moisture into the air, creating a refreshing microclimate within your home. But remember to read up on their toxicity if you have pets and young kids at home.