How to Stay Cool Without Relying Too Much on Air Conditioning: A Smart Fan Trick Many People Don’t Know

With the scorching heat these days, it feels almost impossible to survive without air conditioning. Many women have been saying, “There’s no way I can live without an AC in this weather.” But once the electricity bill arrives, that comfort suddenly becomes painful. So then what—switch back to using only a fan?

In reality, having an air conditioner doesn’t mean you should ignore the electric fan. In fact, most energy-saving guides always recommend using both together. And even if you only use a fan, placing it correctly can make your room significantly cooler.

Recently, I came across a post by a young woman on the Vietnam Women’s Newspaper page, and she shared a surprisingly effective trick for using a fan—something many of us who’ve used fans for years might not even know.

Most people simply plug in the fan, choose speed 1, 2, or 3, and decide whether to keep it stationary or oscillating. But according to her, if you want real cooling, you must pay attention to where you place the fan.

She explained that during the daytime, you should position your fan facing an open window. When you turn it on, it will pull the hot air from inside and push it out through the window. This helps remove trapped heat and cool down the room naturally.
At night, when the outdoor temperature drops, you should reverse the fan direction so it pulls the cooler outside air into the room.

Many people who tried this technique said their rooms felt noticeably cooler after just 15 minutes. And honestly, I didn’t believe it until I tested it myself.

After the short clip demonstrating this method was posted online, it went viral and gained thousands of views. A lot of people—myself included—had no idea such a simple trick existed. Some even commented that they once saw neighbors positioning their fans “weirdly” but never understood why until watching the video.

But of course, using a fan this way isn’t the only method to cool your home without using air conditioning. Here are several other helpful tips you can combine to keep your space comfortable while saving energy:

Additional Ways to Keep Your Home Cool Without Air Conditioning

– Declutter your space.
Remove items you don’t use. The more cluttered a room is, the harder it is for air to circulate, making the room feel warmer.

– Clean your home regularly.
A tidy, dust-free space feels more open and airy. The minimalist Japanese style isn’t just visually appealing—it genuinely makes your home feel cooler and lighter.

– Wipe floors and surfaces when the room feels hot.
Evaporation helps lower the temperature, giving the room a refreshing effect.

– Add indoor plants.
Plants like aloe vera, ferns, pothos, or golden philodendron help regulate humidity and make the space feel cooler and fresher.

– Install heat-insulating materials if you have a metal roof.
This prevents heat from radiating directly into your room.

– Adjust your curtains wisely.
During the day, keep curtains partly closed to block harsh sunlight. At night, open them to let in cool air. Dark-colored curtains or blackout curtains work best at blocking heat.

– Turn off unused electrical devices.
Electronics and lights produce heat. The more appliances running, the hotter your room becomes.

– Sleep on the floor instead of a mattress.
Floors—especially tile floors—are naturally cooler and can help your body feel more refreshed.

– Switch to cooling bedding.
Use breathable blankets, bed sheets, and pillows designed for hot weather.

– Eat and drink cooling foods.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, smoothies, and lots of water all help regulate body temperature. Limit spicy foods, garlic, alcohol, and caffeine during heatwaves.

– Wear lightweight clothes.
Experts recommend thin, light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen to absorb sweat and allow better airflow.

– Try soaking your feet in cool water.
The nerve endings in your feet help regulate body temperature, providing immediate relief from heat.

A Final Thought

If you combine these methods consistently—especially the smart fan placement trick—you can keep your home comfortably cool without relying heavily on air conditioning. Not only does this reduce your electricity bill, but it also protects your family’s respiratory health during the hot season.