By Fred Decker | July 9, 2020 | eHow.com | Cool Without AC

Turning on an air conditioner is the quick and easy answer to hot days, but AC isn’t always available. Even when it is, there are downsides: It can drive up your power bill dramatically, and it’s not exactly the most eco-friendly appliance in your home. Keep your home cool with out ac with these 10 smart home hacks, which are good for the planet and your pocketbook.

1. DIY Cooling for Where You Are

It’s a lot of work to cool the whole house when really all you need to do is cool the spot where you are. You can make a simple DIY desktop mini air conditioner unit with just a few inexpensive pieces, including a USB fan, a plastic bucket, and some disposable containers. It does a fine job of keeping you comfy at your desk, or while you’re watching TV from your favorite chair. You can follow the same basic steps to make a larger version from a foam picnic cooler, if you wish, and cool a small room.