How To Stay Cool In An Office Without Air Conditioning

Cooling Office Without Air Conditioner

As the summer temperatures soar, offices become increasingly harder to work in, especially when air conditioning isn’t available. What’s worse are the strict dress codes and cramped office spaces which certainly don’t make it any easier to cool down and focus on work. We’ve compiled the following list of things you can do to help keep yourself focussed and cool in your sweltering office space.

Personal Fan

Without air conditioning, the next best way to create a cool breeze is a personal fan. These come in various sizes, styles, and boast different features that you should consider. Whether you’re looking for something aesthetically pleasing or something purely practical, there are plenty of models to choose from. The two main types of fans you’ll find in an office are desk fans and tower fans, both of which offer some pretty neat features.

• Desk Fans – The more ‘traditional’ fan found in offices all over the world is the tried and tested desk fan. These devices offer the widest range of stylistic differences you’ll find in fans and therefore make them ideal for trendy office spaces where style and individuality are key. Whether it’s a retro-looking desk fan or something more modern and abstract, there are plenty of options to choose from. To set up your desk fan you simply need to clear enough desk space and plug it in. If you’re planning on moving the desk fan, ensure it has a long enough cable so you don’t have to worry about unplugging and replugging every time you want to cool down the other side of your body. Keep an eye out for features like handles, a rotating head, and temperature control settings which give you superior customization options and more use out of your device.
• Tower Fans – What tower fans compromise on style, they more than make up for with their performance quality and features. Simply place the fan near your desk on some open floor space and let it work its magic. Tower fans also boast some features which are less commonly found in desk fans such as timers, advanced control settings, and some even come with remotes. These are perfect for giving you the customization options you need to cool your desk and office space just how you like it. If you have enough floor space, a tower fan is an exceptional addition to your office equipment.

Finding the ideal fan shouldn’t be a challenge nor should it break the bank. With so many optional features and models available, you’re guaranteed to find your ideal fan at any budget.

Are you looking to do even more to keep yourself cool at work? The following list covers some of the best things you can do to stay cool in the office despite the sweltering heat.

Considered Clothing

If you have the freedom to choose your own dress code, try to find the sweet spot between comfort, practicality, and office-appropriate clothing. Alternatively, if you need to follow a stricter dress code you’ll have to be careful with the items you choose. This is where it’s important to consider fabrics. While wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics (polyester/viscose) are practical for most days, these fabrics are heavier and less breathable than some alternatives. Choose lightweight materials such as linen or cotton to allow your body to breathe better.

Closed Curtains, Open Windows

On a hot, sunny day, you wouldn’t be alone in wanting a better view of the nice weather outside but this has adverse effects on your office climate. As the sunbeams through your office windows, it creates a greenhouse-like effect, causing space to continually heat up. Avoid this by closing curtains, blinds, or any other kind of shutter you have installed and keep the windows open to allow a cool breeze into the building.

Limit Use of Electronic Devices

When electronic devices such as computers, laptops, or mobile phones are used, they produce heat. Limiting your time on these devices can help to lower the temperature of your desk area, however, this can be difficult while working.

Cut Out Coffee

Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages may give you more energy but they’re terrible for your hydration. On hot days your body will naturally become more dehydrated than usual as your body produces sweat to keep you cool, so drinks which dehydrate you more should be avoided at all costs.

Stay Hydrated

It goes without saying that hydration is key when facing high temperatures. Bring a water bottle to the office and regularly take drinks to cool yourself and hydrate your body. Although regular trips to the toilet will ensue, it’s a necessary trade-off for keeping yourself healthy in such hot weather.

Trying to stay focussed and driven in the office can be excruciating when the temperatures rise and there’s no air conditioning. Whether you invest in a personal fan (wise decision) or try some of our various other methods to keep yourself cool, we guarantee you’ll find work at least a little more bearable in the summer months.

Sources:

1. How to Keep Your Cool Without AC – Energy Resource Center
2. No Air Conditioning? No Sweat: Pro Tips On How To Keep Cool Without AC – Block Club Chicago