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    26 Things To Keep You Cool Indoors This Summer Without Paying Hundreds In AC Bills

    It doesn't have to be a choice between sweating buckets or shelling out for constant AC.

    1. A set of blackout curtains that'll block out between 85% to 99% of light so your bedroom feels like the coziest cave when you want to hide away from the world (and, you know, sleep in for once). They also have an insulating effect to help keep your room cooler in the summer!

    If you don't want to drill into the wall to install curtains, we recommend going with either a tension rodCommand hooks, or brackets that connect to existing blinds. In the winter, these'll also help keep your room warmer!

    Promising review: "I bought these for keeping it cooler in the house in the summer as running the AC costs a lot of $$$ where I'm at...where even setting the thermostat to 72 we get a $700 electric bill. You can literally walk up to being within a foot of them and you can feel the heat, because it's retaining it and you can't feel it if you get more than a foot away. I ended buying these that are same style and color for my window in my living room. It keeps the room darker, which is nice for movie watching, and as of right now it's 90 degrees outside and I'm in the house in light sweatpants; it literally is keeping it that cool in here (along with opening windows early morning then closing before it warms up. I looked on my electric company website and my projected bill is only $217, which they show being $150 less from this time last year! Loved the price on these as well, much better than I expected!" —Karen

    Get them in black from Amazon for $17.46+ (available in many sizes and colors).

    2. A programmable AC booster fan designed to quietly maximize airflow coming from your central HVAC system if you experience uneven cooling throughout your home. It's easily mounted onto floor or wall registers and will keep indoor temps more comfortable and balanced, lowering your energy bill as well!

    a reviewer photo of the booster fan installed on a floor vent
    a reviewer photo of the booster fan installed on a wall vent with the cord hugging the doorway molding

    It features a programmable LCD controller with a heating and cooling thermostat and automated fan speeds. 

    Promising review: "My home was generally too hot in the summer and a bit cooler than I liked in the winter. Now, with this product, the entire house is much more balanced — upstairs and downstairs. In the winter, after my HVAC system shuts off, the unit continues to run as long as the duct continues to put out heat. In the summer, the unit puts out cold air upstairs event though the HVAC system is off — making upstairs bedrooms very, very comfortable for an afternoon nap. Setup is not difficult. Best of all, my energy bill went down. I was concerned that it would go up since these units are plugged into a receptacle; but, the units appear to be 12 or 24 volt units (low amperage). Bottom line, an outstanding product that I feel is well worth the money I spent." —Sharon

    Get it from Amazon for $69.99

    3. A soundproofing strip that can prevent cold air from escaping under your door, saving you $$$ on summer AC bills! Another big benefit: It'll help muffle the distracting sounds of car horns or your neighbor's loud music while working from home. 

    Reviewer pic of the soundproofing strip installed on a door
    A reviewer showing a close-up of the insulation on the strip

    Promising review: "Finally got around to putting this in. New neighbors have obnoxious kids and this helps block out their foul-mouthed yelling and other annoying sounds outside. It is two strips per roll, which is actually the width needed for my windows, door, and sliding glass door. I used a chopstick to push it into place since the spaces in my windows were exactly the width of each strip. I was amazed at how much sound this managed to block out, and it will likely do wonders for letting air escape during the hot summers here as well. I wish I’d put it in sooner and will be ordering more to finish sealing my sliding glass door." —Tabitha

    Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in four colors and two lengths).

    4. And a three-layer door stopper you can install (and by "install" we mean peel and stick!) underneath your door if there's a pesky gap letting out your cold air (or letting *in* those creepy crawlies trying to escape the heat outside). 

    the white door stopper attached to a door
    The doorstopper showing it touches the ground and doesn't let light or sound past it

    Promising review: "I’m renting an apartment and my front door doesn’t brush up against the floor. There was about an inch gap which was annoying because it meant light, noise, and bugs could get in. Ever since I’ve installed this, I’ve had almost no bugs, no light, and so much less sound! It’s great. The sound-blocking is especially amazing because my bedroom is near the front door and I hated hearing my neighbors conversations clear as day in the stairwell. It’s not totally noise cancelling but it’s so much better." —airazedy

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors).

    5. Or a customizable option that can be cut to size and slid under your door to instantly plug any gaps. 

    a reviewer photo of the under draft stopper installed on a door
    a reviewer installing the door draft stopper

    Promising review: "It’s saved us so much money on our energy bill. We’re definitely buying more, and I encourage you to buy more if you want to save on your energy bills." —Kellykelly

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99

    6. An oscillating tower fan because trying to sleep in hot, stale air is simply ✨ the worst ✨. This bladeless fan cools your room quietly and efficiently, with six speed options and a remote so you don't even have to leave your bed to adjust. It's perfect if you plan on basically hibernating until fall. 

    Promising review: "GO BUY THIS NOWWWWW!!! My room has been hot for over FIVE months now with no AC. Especially now with summer, I almost feel like I want to pass out. I’m so glad I got this. It’s been two hours now since we got it in the mail and our room has completely turned around from hot to freezing cold. I can’t believe I’m saying this. I have purchased over three fans the past few months and this one tops it all." —Inca

    Get it from Amazon for $72.66+ (also available in a smart Wi-Fi version).

    7. Or an even cheaper three-speed fan to help circulate the air in a small room, which may be all you need to sleep better and stay cool in the summer! The head can be tilted to angle the airflow. I personally use this in my little NYC bedroom and it helps a ton!

    I have this fan in the smallest size and it's enough to keep my bedroom comfortable on summer nights, but depending on your room size and environment, you may want to opt for one of the bigger options! This would also make a great desk fan if you work from home or in an office. 

    Get it from Amazon for $20.45+ (available in two sizes). 

    8. Or a sleek brushed copper option that'll look so cool in your workspace while also keeping YOU cool. It's USB-powered and the head tilts 100 degrees!

    a reviewer photo of a small copper fan sitting on a wooden stand next to a hand soap bottle
    a reviewer photo of a slightly larger copper fan

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Danielle Healy says, "I bought this fan (the 4-inch version) last summer to hold me over until I could get proper air conditioning, and it has absolutely exceeded expectations. It cools me off remarkably well for such a small fan, and it's really quiet, too! I love how it's made from metal, not plastic, which gives it a more upscale look, and how I can just plug the USB cable into my laptop when I need a little help cooling off during work." 

    Get it from Amazon for $28.62+ (available in two sizes and another colors).

    9. set of two cooling pillows if sleeping on the "cool side" is something you like to do — especially in the summer. No more flipping your pillow over constantly — reviewers say these keep you cool all night long, and they're filled with a plush gel fiber that provides just the right amount of support. If you've ever wish you could bring those fancy hotel pillows home with you...now you can.

    A flattened pillow in plastic next to another pillow that has fully inflated
    Reviewer pushing the pillow to show how plush it is

    Promising review: "These had great reviews but I was still a bit skeptical. I'm a bit of a pillow snob. I usually require about three pillows for just myself, not including my husband. I like to sleep propped up a bit so my sinuses don't get stopped up at night. My old pillows would require three to nine adjustments a night for me to be comfortable again. These pillows — these amazing, heavenly pillows — are now my favorite part of going to bed. Soft but firm. How does that work? It gives support for me to sleep slightly propped up but I sink into this comfortable personal cloud. Soft, but firm. My head isn't sinking through the pillow to rest on my mattress, but I feel comfortably enveloped. Now mind you, I have one very cheap Walmart pillow behind it so I'm not against my headboard, but even still. Heaven. I bought two but think that would be too much fluff so now my husband and I each have one. Buy them. Add to cart. Buy now with one click. Stop the research. You've found the pillows you were looking for." —Marissa Urey

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $61.37+ (available in queen and king sizes).

    10. And to pair with them (or your current pillows), a set of two cooling pillowcases made with Japanese cooling fibers designed to absorb body heat away from you as you sleep. 

    Promising review: "Finally found pillows that are worth every penny!!! I am buying more ASAP! I have a sweating problem and also have my bedroom on the third floor of my home so the heat rises, which doesn’t help my hot flashes at all! I have a hard time finding a pillowcase that isn’t sticky feeling, too hot to lay on, etc. I really appreciate that there is a zipper on one end of each pillowcase to zip up your pillow to help your pillow inside from slipping or falling out! These pillowcases are cool to the touch, super soft, and they are super comfortable to lay on, to the point I woke up with drool all over my face from my remarkable amount of great sleep I had! This pillowcase doesn’t get that overwhelming warm sticky feeling after laying on it for a while. It stays comfortable to lay on all through the night! I’m incredibly happy and grateful to finally find pillowcases that are exactly what anyone with sweating issues and hot flashes need and want in pillowcases." —CosmeticatedReviews

    Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in standard, queen, and king sizes and in 19 colors).  

    11. A pillow top cooling mattress topper designed with breathable microfiber and a down alternative filling that amplifies airflow and heat dissipation, with an *extra* fluffy topper that'll make your bed feel even comfier. It also has a deep pocket that'll fit around most mattresses and won't slide around all night!

    Promising review: "My mattress topper was just one of those typical memory foam ones, and those things love to retain heat, so despite the other things I had, I kept waking up sweaty and nasty anytime it was over 70 degrees in my apartment. My sister grabbed one of these and said it was a night and day experience, so I gave it a shot last summer and HOLY. SHET. This thing works. Not only is it soft and well made, but it's breathable and keeps me nice and perfectly cool all night, year round. It's not cold in the winter, and it's not hot in the summer, and I have had very few sweaty nights over the last 365 days thanks to this thing. This thing is a cooling godsend." —The Overlord

    Get it from Amazon for $28.82+ (available in sizes twin–California king and in three styles). 

    12. And!! A set of hotel-worthy cooling bed sheets you *won't* wake up hot and sweaty in. Silky soft and breathable, these popular sheets feel ~expensive~ but aren't, with over 190,000 (!) 5-star ratings backing up their incredible value.

    White bed sheets on a bed with matching pillows
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I am a very hot sleeper therefore, I am very picky about my sheets. These sheets are very comfortable and do not make me hot. They are soft and very comfortable. Also, the company is great to work with! Excellent customer service! When my sheets arrived, there was a small problem with the fitted sheet so I emailed them (the sheets came with a flier with their contact info) and they sent me another fitted sheet right away. They said they are a family owned business and really want the customer to have a great experience. I was impressed with that level of service especially in this day and age! Bottom line: great sheets, excellent customer service and great price! Do not hesitate to buy!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in twin–split king sizes and 45 colors).

    13. An Alexa-compatible energy-efficient air conditioner that can help ease your (usually painful) energy bills in the summer, as it saves over 35% on energy compared to traditional window AC units. Now you can lean back and enjoy not only your comfortably chilled room, but the sweet feeling of more money in your pocket too. 

    the window ac unit in a window
    app screenshot showing reviewer's garage AC set at 75

    Since the AC is Wi-Fi-enabled, you can control it from anywhere using the MideaAir app (available on both iOS and Android). You can also use voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.

    Promising review: "Saved me from SoCal heat and misery. I can't sleep when the bedroom is over 68 degrees, but I can't sleep with a typical noisy window air conditioner going either. We've been using this unit for a few months now and it has been my lifesaver — sleeping better than I have in years without burning feet and running sweat. It's so quiet, performs great and is right on the money to the temp it's set at, remote is wonderful (don't have to get out of bed to change temperature settings). We have a small house and running it at 74 degrees all day and evening actually keeps the entire back of the house (bedroom, den, hallway, bathroom) cool without having to run other ACs. Turn it down to 68 degrees at bedtime and it cools the room to my sleeping temp very quickly. Very energy efficient...I was expecting electric bills over $200/mo, but running it 24/7 all through July was only $139. Extremely happy with this air conditioner." —Rogelaine H.

    Get it from Amazon for $379+ (available with three BTU levels).

    14. A heavy-duty roll of transparent weather sealing tape because that gapping around your window AC unit is likely letting out some of the precious cold air it's working so hard to put into your home. This creates an airtight, watertight seal that'll keep out the elements while retaining your cold air — an easy solution with immediately noticeable results.

    the roll of tape
    a reviewer photo of the tape applied around the edges of a window AC unit

    It'll work the same way in the winter too, preserving your indoor heat while keeping the chill out.

    XFasten is a small business that launched in 2015 selling a wide array of adhesive products from home improvement accessories to craft supplies. 

    Promising review: "This is the first time I’ve used tape like this and it is perfect to seal our window AC. It keeps the hot air out and the cool air in. Plus, it’s easy to apply. I definitely recommend." —J.R. Higuera

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes and a three-pack).  

    15. A set of claw clips to keep your sweaty hair off your sweaty neck, because you're hot enough as it is without your long mane making things worse. These are super cute and a step up from the messy bun you usually throw on top of your head — plus, they're thick hair-friendly!

    reviewer with the green clip in their hair holding it up
    colorful hair claw clips in a line

    Check these out on TikTok. I have these myself and *love* them for keeping my hair off my neck while working from home in the summer — especially when I'm trying to keep AC bills down. 

    Promising review: "I will admit I bought these from seeing them on TikTok and I needed new clips for my thick hair. I am not disappointed and beyond glad I got them. The colors are gorgeous and they stay put without hurting my head. I'm very impressed." —Jessica

    Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 14 different colored sets).

    16. A rechargeable, hands-free personal fan that'll keep you cool as a cucumber while working from home, watching TV, doing chores, or exercising. It has six speed settings and lasts for up to six hours on one charge!

    reviewer wearing the neck fan and smiling with text that says
    a child with the neck fan around their neck

    Promising review: "The older I get, the less tolerant of the heat I become, and I live in Texas where summers can sometimes last eight months, so I was anxious to try this fan. I was NOT disappointed! My order arrived a day early, and since it was 97 degrees Fahrenheit outside, I immediately ripped open the box and turned it on. I was not disappointed! It fit comfortably over my neck, and the dual fans are adjustable so you can position them however is most comfy for you. The unit has six settings from soft, intermittent breeze to the highest constant speed, which is my personal favorite choice since I sweat easily and this keeps me the coolest. I've been saying for years that someone needs to make a personal fan that hangs over your shoulders or around your neck, and someone finally has!" —Shirley Doubleu

    Get it from Amazon for $13.59 (also available in white and red).

    17. Or a versatile rechargeable handheld fan — it may be small, but it delivers a mighty powerful wind, according to reviewers. When you're *not* fanning yourself, it folds up by the handle for each storage and can prop itself up too, converting into a handy desk or nightstand fan. 

    reviewer holding up the black fan by its handle
    a green fan on a student's desk

    It also operates on a 2600mAh battery, which comes with the fan.

    Promising review: "One of the best purchases I’ve ever made! Ideal product year round heat or just places with too much heat, no air. This would be very helpful for those with health issues/heat aversion. So lightweight and compact. Don’t need AC on for the entire house but want to read, work, watch TV, just BE, in cool comfort? The perfect product. Very quiet. Holds good charge. Recharges just like your phone, iPad, any e-device. Well-made and the price makes it ideal. Will never be without this genius portable fan!" —psl

    Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in five colors).

    18. A refreshing ice roller to help you cool off quickly after a long, hot day outside, especially when your home is uncomfortably ~warm~. Keep it in the fridge or freezer and take it out as needed for a chilled massage that'll feel heavenly on your overheated face. People also swear by it for relief from hot flashes, migraines, fevers, and more. 

    Reviewer using the ice roller on their face
    Reviewer holding ice roller to their face

    Stick it in the freezer, apply your favorite moisturizer on your face, and then sweep the roller all over. 

    Promising review: "I was skeptical about this product. I wasn't sure how it was much different than rolling any other frozen thing on your body. I'm beyond pleasantly surprised. I've used it for sinus pain, migraines, swollen neck glands, under-eye circles/bags, inflamed acne, TMJ pain, etc. Not to mention, when I used it on my face, it leaves my skin feeling tight and wakes me up in the mornings. It also stays cold for forever but never sweats or leaves water behind. It's like magic. I also bought one for my mom who suffers from nerve damage in her arms and legs. I think it'll really help when she has bad pain days." —Jessica McRee

    Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 12 colors and bundles). 

    19. And a facial cooling spray so you can spritz yourself with thermal spring water to soothe and soften your skin when you feel yourself starting to overheat. Reviewers say it works wonders for sensitive skin, sunburns, rosacea, and other irritations in need of some relief.

    Promising review: "It's great for calming sensitive skin, sunburn, any type of skin irritation, cooling down from being overheated (put it in the fridge for a while and it feels AMAZING) or even just setting your makeup if it's looking too matte. If you have rosacea, then it's a miracle product and you should buy this immediately. Recommended it to my mother, who was experiencing hot flashes due to menopause and she loves it too. You won't regret it." —SP077

    Get it from Amazon for $9.50+ (available in three sizes and a pack of two).

    20. Sweat-wicking pajamas for hot sleepers who are tired of waking up in a pool of sweat. This cute set is lightweight and breathable with an elastic waist. If you're not ready to strip down and sleep naked, this is the next best thing!

    model in the navy blue pjs
    model in the gray pjs
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I'm a chronic night sweater living in a really hot New York City apartment — I'm so glad I invested in these. They are really soft and while I still have to kick off the sheets few times throughout the night (as usual), I feel much cooler than normal, and I stayed dry! I really am able to sleep much better." —Vanessa

    Get them from Amazon for $25.83+ (available in women's sizes S–4XL and 12 colors).

    21. Or a beautiful, high-quality sleeveless 100% linen set that'll keep the night sweats at bay. It has a comfy elastic band and string on the shorts and comes stone-washed for softness!

    model wearing a white linen sleep set
    Goodful

    Get it from our Goodful shop for $112 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and nine colors). 

    22. And speaking of linen: A waffle-knit blanket made from a linen-cotton blend that's breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating to keep you from waking up overheated and sweaty. If you *need* a comforting blanket over you to fall asleep but keep kicking off your thick duvet, this is a cozy alternative you can reach for year-round!

    the blanket topped on a bed in a dark, orangey brown color
    Magic Linen

    Magic Linen is a family-owned small business based in Lithuania that creates beautiful linen clothes and home products that are all Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they are free from harmful substances and chemicals.

    Promising review: "I am in LOVE with my blanket. It is the perfect texture, I can wrap up in it in the summer and not get too hot, and it's so soft even after just one wash! Truly adore this blanket." —Cy D.

    Get it from Magic Linen on Etsy for 148.90+ or direct from their site for $149+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors). See more colors on Etsy!

    23. A cooling towel for wearing around your neck so you don't overheat, not just outdoors but even when you're at home and trying to *not* crank the AC! All you have to do is soak it in cold water and rinse — and when it eventually starts to get warmer, just rinse and repeat!

    Reviewer with the towel around their neck
    reviewer's dog with a towel draped over it as it lays outside

    The towel's material is made with evaporative technology that'll hold onto cool water you rinse it with. The brand doesn't specify how long it's supposed to keep cool before you have to re-rinse it, BUT one reviewer did note that their towel remained cool through a three-hour desert hike 😳! Several reviewers noted that they used this for cooling themselves, their babies, and pets.

    Promising review: "I couldn't believe how long this stayed cool. I get hot really easily at home and need to not run my air conditioner so much $$$! This helps." —Pepper

    Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

    24. A reusable XL gel ice pack you can stash in the freezer and then take with you to the couch or bed for some full-body cooling while you relax. It's flexible, bending to the contours of your body for all-over relief — it's especially great for muscle pains too!

    a model with the ice pack on their back
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Many times I wake up too warm to sleep, and wished I had something opposite of a hot pad! This is perfect! You never want it directly on your skin. You can place it in-between a towel and lay on it or place inside your pillow, or even under. Sure cuts down on AC bill or freezing your hubby or pets...when it's just you that needs to chill 😆 I also will use this in my dog's jogger stroller on a hot day for him. But just remember they also need a towel covering it — not directly against skin. Easy to fold and place in freezer, and unfold." —Live Love Laugh

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99

    25. Ninja air fryer for days when standing over the hot stove is gonna be a big "NOPE" from you (but you still want a yummy meal for dinner). It'll keep the kitchen cool and your belly filled — a win-win. 

    An air fryer with its drawer pulled out and fried chicken wings sitting inside
    plate of food with steak, salad, potato, and lobster

    The air fryer can cook raw and frozen foods and it's good for preparing french fries, sweet potato nuggets, chicken wings, and more.

    Promising review: "This unit takes up less counter space than any of my other kitchen appliances and cleans up faster. It holds just enough for two people to share a meal with no leftovers, not to mention conveniently and quickly heating up leftover food that might go to waste because there's not enough to bother turning on the oven. This air fryer has become my new microwave, and improves the taste and crisps the texture of foods much better than a microwave can do. Compared to other air fryers I've looked at, this unit is easier to use and clean, at the best price. And it doesn't heat up the kitchen, which matters a lot during our hot Austin summers." —Austin Shopper

    Get it from Amazon for $99.99.

    26. A magnetic mesh cover to keep air circulating and take advantage of cooler summer evenings without mosquitos, gnats, and flies taking it as an invitation to enter your home. It also lets pets go in and out without pawing at the door every half hour, closing automatically behind them thanks to the magnetism.

    a screen door with a mesh cover over it that connects magnetically in the middle
    chickens waiting outside the closed mesh door

    Heads up, friends: The brand and reviewers strongly urge you to measure your door first. I know you think you have a standard door size but what if it's...not? Double-check.

    Promising review: "I initially bought one for my back patio and loved it. It was great for allowing air to circulate and for keeping flies out during the summer. So I ended up buying another for the front door. It's great for pets too to act like a doggy door. The product really works and does exactly what it states. I highly recommend this product!" —Frank Zapata

    Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in three styles; comes with the screen door, a roll of hook and loop, and a pack of push pins).

    Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.