Eight tips to help you avoid using a climate-damaging air conditioning unit.

1. Windows

• Keep your windows closed when its warmer outside than in, to keep your home cool
• If you absolutely need to, open a window on the shady side of your home rather than the sunny side
• You can shield yourself from the sun in your home just by keeping your curtains or blinds closed, especially on the sunny side of your home
• Depending on security, leaving your windows open at night and closed in the day can make a huge difference. If your home has windows on both sides then a flow of air from one side to the other will also help

2. Sleep

• Avoid synthetic or mixed material sheets in favour of cotton sheets. A looser weave may also help.
• If you have the choice, try sleeping downstairs in your house.
• It sounds crazy but try freezing your sheets in a bag. It won’t last all night, but might just get you off to sleep.

3. Focus on your body not your space

• Drink cold drinks.
• Wear cotton not synthetics.
• Apply a cold, damp cloth to strong-pulsed areas like your neck and wrists.
• Put your feet in a bucket of cold water.

4. Turn off all unnecessary appliances

• Switching off your household electronic devices can make a surprising difference to the temperature in your home.
• Try not to use too much hot water. See how low you can get the hot on your shower mixer.

5. Food

• Avoid the oven! Eat salads and other cold foods, cook outside or use the microwave.

6. Hang a wet sheet over a window

• Hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window will help bring down the room’s temperature.

Did you know during the 2003 heatwave in Paris, many older people died  after medics used a chilled water spray to cool them down?. This can in fact increase your core temperature. Be sure to use room temperature or lukewarm water to cool down.