If you live in a block of flats, especially on the upper floors, and you don’t have air conditioning installed, it’s probably hard for you to stand in this weather. I know this. But fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to help yourself. These three simple ways are enough.
Until recently, I lived in a small 2-room apartment in a 15-story block, with windows facing west. In the summer, the sun would shine straight into my windows all afternoon, making the apartment so hot that you could pass out at the highest or sit in the bathtub for half a day (ignoring the cost of filling the entire bathtub with water every day). Fortunately, after using very inexpensive methods, I managed to cool the apartment enough to function normally in it. What did I apply?
1. Window Film
The first thing I did was buy a special sunscreen film at a nearby home improvement store. In online stores, the prices of such films start from as little as PLN 12 for a package (61×50 cm) to PLN 230 for a mirror effect film that blocks 98 percent of UV rays (75×200 cm). In my case, it really made a difference, and the temperature in the apartment dropped by about 8 degrees. At the same time, I point out that I bought one of the cheapest films I found in the store. Those for 200 zloty would probably cool the apartment even better. Why is window film so important? First of all, because it is through the windows that our apartment heats up the most. And it is very important to carefully cover the entire surface of each window pane. Then we will have the best effect.
2. Water Air Conditioner
I bought one of the cheapest (about 300 zloty) air conditioners, into which you pour water. It came with two cooling cartridges, which really did the job, and the device (even quite quiet) blew cold, pleasant air. The manufacturer also included a remote control, so I could sit quietly in a chair and control the crisp blast as I wanted. Recommended. Prices of such devices start from about 300 zł to even 1500 zł (but then it’s probably better to think about installing air conditioning).
3. Standing Fan
I also looked for the simplest and cheapest standing fan. I placed it next to the air conditioner, so that this cooled air is even better distributed throughout the apartment. In home improvement stores, the cheapest standing fans are about 80 zlotys, and in online stores, you can find even cheaper ones.
Spectacular Results
The effect was spectacular! After applying these three things at once, my apartment went from tropical temperatures to a quite pleasant 22-24 degrees C. Plus, the hum of the fan and air conditioner, which additionally humidified the air very well, gave a very relaxing holiday atmosphere.
Additional Tips from Fellow Editors
- Emergency Blanket (NRC Film): Used every day in rescue work, this blanket can keep the patient from overheating when worn with the silver side facing out. Similarly, placing it on your windows with the silver side out can reflect heat away. Attach it to the window frame or directly to the glass with double-sided tape.
- Foil from Floor Heating: Although not aesthetically pleasing, this film is cheap (from 1.50 PLN per running meter) and effective. Install it on the outside of the window to prevent heating, thus maintaining a cooler temperature in the apartment.
As you can see, you don’t have to spend thousands of zlotys to install air conditioning in your apartment to survive the heat. With these inexpensive methods, you can stay cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.
