Old Trick Cools the House Without Air Conditioning: Uses No Electricity and Helps Even Above 35 Degrees
As Croatia Faces Temperatures Up to 39 Degrees and a Red DHMZ Warning, Traditional Home Cooling Methods Are Gaining Importance Again
As Croatia Faces Temperatures Up to 39 Degrees and a Red DHMZ Warning, Traditional Home Cooling Methods Are Gaining Importance Again
As Croatia prepares for extreme heat with temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees today and 39 degrees tomorrow, interest is growing in traditional home cooling methods that use no electricity. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued a red warning for Zagreb and the Zagreb region for the next three days due to extremely dangerous weather, as reported by Zagreb.info on August 4, 2026.
In such conditions, air conditioners run nonstop, which will bring high electricity bills for many. However, in Mediterranean countries where summer heat is a daily occurrence, simple tricks that help maintain a comfortable temperature in rooms without any devices have been passed down for generations.
The key trick cherished by many Italians, especially in southern Italy, is to completely close windows and external shutters or blinds during the hottest part of the day. The goal is to prevent direct solar radiation that heats walls and the interior. The air conditioner is only turned on when temperatures exceed 35 degrees.
Energy efficiency experts, as reported by Kurir.rs, advise keeping shutters and curtains lowered on windows exposed to the sun, especially between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. when solar radiation is strongest. This method is not unique to Italy-in Dalmatia, it is rare to see open shutters or raised blinds during the day. Windows are only opened after 7 p.m., when the maestral wind blows, naturally cooling the home.
When outdoor temperatures drop in the evening, windows on opposite sides of the house are opened to create a draft. Cooler air enters, while warm air accumulated during the day exits. This simple trick requires no investment and is passed down from generation to generation.
Another old trick involves placing a slightly damp cotton curtain or sheet in front of an open window. As air passes through the damp fabric, water evaporation creates a feeling of freshness near the window. Although this method cannot significantly lower the temperature of the entire room or replace an air conditioner, many use it to alleviate the feeling of stuffiness. It is important that the fabric is only slightly damp to avoid creating excessive humidity in the room.
In addition to closing windows and using damp fabrics, it is recommended to avoid turning on the oven, clothes dryer, and other appliances that add extra heat to the space. During the night, when outdoor temperatures drop, airing out again helps cool the air in the apartment or house before the next hot day.
Although none of these tricks can fully replace an air conditioner during extreme heat, their combination can help make the home more comfortable, with lower electricity consumption and no additional costs.
