New Delhi, 8 April 2025: As soon as the month of March ends, the heat starts showing its full force. The heat of the sun in the afternoon and the humid air at night—all this becomes unbearable. In such a situation, the air conditioner (AC) gives relief, but seeing the electricity bill puts a burden on the pocket. Is the ceiling fan or table fan the only way? Absolutely not. With some easy and economical ways, you can keep your house cool, that too without AC. These measures will not only give comfort to your home, but will also prove beneficial for the environment and the budget.

1. Start with curtains
   The first step to avoid the heat is to change the curtains in your room. Interior designer Anita Sharma advises, “Instead of light and thin curtains, use heavy and dark colored curtains. These block out the heat of the sun.” Try to keep the windows covered throughout the day. However, keep in mind that the room does not become too dark, otherwise the atmosphere may seem gloomy. “I put up dark blue curtains, and the temperature in the room really came down. It feels cool even during the day now,” says Reena Verma, a Delhi-based homemaker.
2. Use light-coloured sheets
   The bed sheets also affect the temperature of the house. Choose white or light-coloured sheets and pillows. They reflect heat rather than absorb it. “Dark-coloured sheets attract heat, while light colours give a feeling of coolness,” says Anita. This small change can improve your sleeping experience.
3. The magic of plants
   Keeping some green plants in the house not only adds beauty, but also helps in reducing heat. Plants like aloe vera and money plant keep the air cool. “These plants absorb heat and moisture from the air, keeping the room fresh,” says environmental expert Dr Rakesh Mehta. “I kept a money plant in the balcony, and the air in the room started feeling lighter than before,” says Sanjay Patil, an office employee in Mumbai.
4. The colour of the walls matters
   The colour of the walls of the room also affects the temperature. Choose light colours like white, light pink or blue. Dr. Mehta explains, “White colour reflects the rays of the sun, while dark colours absorb heat.” If painting is not possible, then light coloured wallpapers can also work.
5. Play with light
   Dim the light in the room at night. Use dim lamps instead of bright bulbs. Anita suggests, “Switch off the lights for some time and keep the room dark. This will reduce the heat.” Along with this, keeping yellow flowers in a vase not only gives a feeling of coolness, but also keeps the house fresh.
   Why are these measures necessary?
   Increasing dependence on AC in summer increases both electricity consumption and expenses. But these natural methods are not only economical, but are also better for the environment. Dr. Mehta says, “The coolness of AC is temporary and puts a burden on electricity. These small changes are effective for a long time.”
   People’s experience
   People who have tried these methods are happy with its benefits. Shikha Das from Bangalore says, “I changed the curtains and used light sheets. Now I sleep well at night even in summer.” However, some people find it difficult to implement it. Rahul Singh from Kolkata says, “It is not easy to put heavy curtains, but I am trying. It does make a difference.”
   Easy way to cool down
   These solutions are no less than a boon for people troubled by heat. Keeping the house cool even without AC is not only possible, but it is beneficial for both your budget and health. So this time to beat the heat, take the help of nature and wisdom instead of technology. Your house will remain cool, and your pocket will also not be light.
   Author: Lifestyle Correspondent, New Delhi