No AC? No sweat. How to make a DIY air conditioner and 3 other heat wave hacks
HomeServe offers four quick fixes that can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees and help people stay safe until repairs or cooler weather arrive.
- On Thursday, August 13, 2026, HomeServe Editorial published DIY heat-mitigation strategies offering immediate relief for homes facing air conditioning failures during extreme summer temperatures.
- The Weather Channel reported heat is the deadliest weather event, killing 273 people from 2015 to 2024, with low-income, inner-city elderly adults particularly vulnerable to the "urban heat island" effect.
- Setting ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise creates a cooling wind-chill effect, while placing aluminum foil-covered cardboard in windows reflects the sun's rays outward, mitigating radiant heat by 10 to 15 degrees.
- Homeowners should adjust whole-house humidifiers to the "summer" setting to prevent moisture infiltration, and building a makeshift air conditioner using a cooler, desktop fan, and ice provides focused chilled air relief.
- These DIY measures offer temporary relief, but residents without functional cooling should prioritize safety during heat emergencies, as heat-related illness remains a significant risk for those unable to acclimate.
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17 Articles
PARIS. Thousands of people have died this summer as a result of the record heat in France. The risk of dying is four times higher if you live under one of Paris' classic zinc roofs. - It's like a sauna, says Swedish Anna-Lena Johansson, 54, one of many who sweat in the heat.
Extreme heat is pushing AC units hard, but these quick fixes may keep cool air flowing
When an air conditioner cannot keep up during a nearly 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit) heat wave in southern Ontario, Canada, homeowners could end up with uncomfortable indoor temperatures and potentially costly repairs. Before booking a technician, a handful of do-it-yourself checks may be enough to get the cool air back and spare some homeowners from a hefty bill. What's happening? Dean Dick, HVAC category manager at Wolseley Cana…
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No AC? No sweat. How to make a DIY air conditioner and 3 other heat wave hacks
HomeServe reports on DIY hacks for cooling your home during heat waves, including making a simple air conditioner, using shade, adjusting ceiling fans, and managing humidity.
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