How do you cool a room when AC is not enough?

Author: Leatha Bruen V  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

9 Easy Ways to Cool Down a Room Without AC
  1. Cover Windows. Leaving your windows uncovered during the sunniest hours of the day lets in a considerable amount of heat. ...
  2. Optimize the Use of Fans. ...
  3. Turn on Exhaust Fans. ...
  4. Turn Off Lights. ...
  5. Skip Heat-Producing Appliances. ...
  6. Open Windows at Night. ...
  7. Heat-Proof Your Bed. ...
  8. Get Low and Sleep Low.

Why won't my AC get colder than 72?

Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.

How can I make my room cool without AC?

Place a fan near an open window to draw in cool air from outside. You can also use a ceiling fan or standing fan to improve air circulation within the room. During the day, keep windows, curtains, blinds, or shades closed to prevent direct sunlight from entering the room. This helps reduce heat buildup.

How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside?

When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, setting your air conditioning (AC) to around 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered efficient. Here are some reasons for this recommendation:

How to make a room cold when AC is broken?

Here's how you keep your house cool in the summer without an air conditioner:
  1. Use fans to circulate air.
  2. Keep blinds/curtains closed to block sun.
  3. Use reflective window film.
  4. Plant trees or install shading devices outside windows.
  5. Keep windows cracked to allow air flow.
  6. Use lighter colored drapes or bedsheets.

AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Here's Why! | How to Clean Air Conditioner Filters

How can I make my room cooler when the AC is out?

How To Cool a House When AC is Broken
  1. Lower the Shades. Most people enjoy the beauty of natural lighting in their homes. ...
  2. Open the Windows at Night. ...
  3. Create a Makeshift Air Conditioner. ...
  4. Turn the Ceiling Fans Counter Clockwise. ...
  5. Use Cool Towels. ...
  6. Avoid Using Ovens and Stoves.

Does putting ice in front of a fan work?

You should put ice in front of your fan. Alongside its approval from Beatrice, Oleg Stepanchukovski, an interior design coordinator and home expert at Patio Productions, adds that this technique will offer relief from high temperatures quickly.

How long should it take to cool a house from 80 to 72?

Cooling a house from 80 to 72 degrees is a common goal for many, especially during the peak of summer. On average, this process takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside in summer?

Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.

Is 75 too hot for AC?

If this is the case, it may be necessary to keep your thermostat set at 72-74 degrees until everyone goes to bed. This can also depend on the number of people living in the house, or even whether you're preparing a home-cooked meal. If it's just you and your spouse, you may be fine with the temperature set at 75-77.

Does putting a wet towel over a fan make it cooler?

Lay the cloth over the fan. As it blows the air out, it'll circulate through the cloth and the air will feel cooler. Make sure that the cloth cannot get caught on the fan in any way at all––if this is a possibility, don't use this method. Replace the cloth frequently, as they dry out.

Does keeping a bucket of water in the room cool?

In theory, keeping a bucket of water in your room helps to keep it cool as the air absorbs the water from the bucket as it evaporates, reducing the temperature.

How do I fix my AC not cooling enough?

To fix an AC not blowing cool air, ensure the thermostat is set to "cool" mode and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. Inspect the air filter as a dirty filter can restrict airflow. Ensure the condenser coils are clean and free of debris. Make sure vents are open and unobstructed.

Is 80 too hot for a house?

In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.

Why won't my AC go lower than 78?

A refrigerant leak

Your refrigerant is the special chemical that cools the air inside your home. So, if there's a leak and your system eventually becomes low on refrigerant, your AC will be extremely limited in how much cooling it can provide.

Should AC be on auto or on?

There are benefits to having your air conditioner set to “auto” and “on.” The benefits of the “auto” setting include higher efficiency, lower energy bills, better humidity control, less wear and tear on some components, and quieter running.

How cool should my house be if it's 90 outside?

What should my AC be set at if it's 90 degrees outside? If the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees, it's recommended to set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees.

Is 68 too low for AC?

During a heatwave, we recommend that you don't lower the AC's setting below 68°F. This is already quite chilly for most people, and many would consider it too cold. An air conditioner set this low risk of its coil freezing—and that's bad news because it indicates that the air conditioner is overworked.

How long should it take AC to drop 3 degrees?

It's about an hour per degree, but size, insulation, and outdoor heat all play huge roles. Just like shoes that fit right to make your day better, the right-sized AC makes for quicker comfort.

What is the best temperature to keep your house cool?

Every season has an ideal thermostat temperature and for summer the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that when home, 78 degrees is the sweet spot between staying cool and keeping your energy bill low. Give your air conditioner and energy bill a break by setting your thermostat to 88 degrees when away.

Do fans actually cool a room?

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans do not decrease the actual air temperature in a room. Instead, they generate a wind chill effect akin to the refreshing sensation of a breeze on a warm day. Enhancing sweat evaporation as air moves across your skin creates a sensation of coolness.

Does hanging wet towels cool a room?

The moisture evaporates from a wet towel. En- ergy is needed for evaporation. This energy is extracted from the heat of the air in the room, and the air cools down.

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