The best non-AC cooling strategy is not one trick. It is a sequence: stop heat entering, move cooler air when conditions allow, and use airflow to make people feel cooler. Climate matters—especially humidity.
1–4 · Reduce the load before trying to remove it
Shade sun-exposed windows
Exterior shading, blinds and appropriate window coverings reduce solar heat entering the room.
Close windows when outdoor air is hotter
Opening everything at noon can import heat. Ventilate when outdoor conditions are actually cooler.
Reduce indoor heat sources
Ovens, incandescent lighting and heat-producing appliances add to the cooling load.
Improve insulation and air sealing
A building that gains heat slowly is easier to keep comfortable.
5–8 · Ventilation works best when the weather cooperates
5. Cross-ventilate
Use openings on different sides of the home to create a path for moving air.
6. Vent at night
When nights are cooler, flushing accumulated heat can reset the indoor temperature.
7. Use fans on people
DOE notes that fans create a wind-chill effect; they cool occupants, not empty rooms.
8. Consider whole-house ventilation carefully
Whole-house fans can be effective in suitable climates but require proper sizing and installation.
9–10 · Dry heat and humid heat are not the same problem
9. Evaporative cooling can work well in arid climates because water evaporation lowers air temperature. It is much less useful where humidity is already high.
10. Use efficient windows or films when upgrades make sense. DOE notes that some spectrally selective low-e coatings can block a large share of infrared heat while preserving daylight.