Creating a home that breathes
Simple summer hacks can make a surprisingly big difference in how your space feels.
As temperatures rise in the Philippines, staying cool at home doesn’t always have to mean blasting the aircon or shelling out for expensive upgrades.
Here are some easy, affordable tips to help your space “breathe” better—whether you live in a condo, apartment, or house. These simple tricks can make a surprisingly big difference in how your space feels—think of it as low-effort living with high comfort returns.
1 Open two windows—even just a crack
If you’ve got windows on opposite sides of a room (or even a hallway and a window), try opening them both a little. This creates cross ventilation—a natural breeze that pushes hot air out and pulls cooler air in. Even a small gap can make a big difference!
2 Use curtains wisely
Thick curtains trap heat. Swap them out (even temporarily) for light, airy fabrics like cotton or linen. Want something even easier? Hang up a white bedsheet over your sunniest window to reflect heat and soften sunlight—instant cooling with zero shopping.
3 Group your plants
Indoor plants like pothos, snake plants, or aloe vera not only clean the air but slightly cool it, too. Group them together in hot corners or near windows—they create a little “microclimate” that helps with humidity and makes your space feel fresher.
4 Hack your electric fan
No AC? No problem. Place a shallow bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of your electric fan. As the ice melts, the fan will blow cooler air around the room. It’s like your instant DIY aircon (okay, not really—but close enough for a sweaty afternoon!).
5 Keep interior doors open
Let your space breathe! Don’t trap heat in rooms. Leaving doors open—even slightly—lets air circulate more freely throughout your home, especially when fans or windows are in play.
6 Declutter hot zones
Too much stuff in one area blocks airflow. Clear surfaces near windows, fans, and doorways so air can move through more easily. Bonus: it also makes your space feel lighter and cooler, visually and physically.
