Summer is in full force, and that means many of us are looking for ways to stay cool. Fans are often the first thing we reach for, helping us feel cooler by moving the warm air trapped against our skin and speeding up the evaporation of sweat.
The catch? Fans don't actually cool a room, so when the temperatures really start to soar, they can only do so much.
If you found yourself let down by your fan during the last heat wave, there's a simple trick you can try to boost its cooling effect—all you need is a freezer and two bottles of water.
"If the fan is not very effective in keeping you cool, try and freeze two bottles of water, then put them in a bowl and place the bowl in front of your fan," says Dr. Luke Powles, clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics.
"As the fan blows over the frozen bottles, it will give out cold air."
Ice packs, freezer blocks, or even a bowl with ice cubes can work in much the same way, although they're likely to melt more quickly, so the cooling effect won't last as long.
There are a few other steps worth taking during a heat wave, too. Keeping curtains, blinds, or shutters closed will help block out direct sunlight and stop your home from heating up as quickly. Dr. Powles also recommends keeping windows shut during the hottest parts of the year.
"You should also try to keep your windows closed while the fan is on, as hot air gets trapped, meaning warm air will start to circulate the room," he says.
You may also have seen the popular heat wave hack that involves pointing a fan out of an open window. It can work—but only when the air outside is cooler than the air indoors.
During the day, when outdoor temperatures are higher than inside your home, it's generally best to keep windows shut to prevent hot air from entering.
Once temperatures drop in the evening or overnight, opening the windows and pointing a fan outwards can help push warm indoor air outside and draw cooler air in.
So when temperatures climb, a couple of frozen water bottles could help make your fan work that little bit harder—alongside keeping blinds closed during the day and letting cooler evening air into your home.
Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
