Don't get hot and bothered in the warm weather. Whether you are looking for a quick or long-term solution to ease the heat, find out just how to cool down a room with our ample range of air conditioners, evaporative coolers, fans, and more.

How to Cool Down a Room

There are many ways to cool down a room – how you do so is completely up to you. No matter how you decide to cool your room, we have some cool devices you're sure to be a fan of.
Ceiling Fans
Air Conditioners
Evaporative Coolers
Portable Fans

1. Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan helps to cool a large area by circulating air and creating a draft throughout the space. This air has a cooling effect by evaporating your sweat faster, thus cooling your skin. Choose between a variety of both indoor and outdoor models, which usually come with built-in lights. When installing the ceiling fan (professional installation is recommended) ensure that it isn't too close to the ceiling to prevent the fan from trapping or moving less air. The distance from the floor to the blade should be 8 feet. This measurement will determine whether you should use a downrod or a flush mount. An angled mount can be used for a sloped ceiling.

Tip!

Make sure to follow all safety guidelines for installation and placement of air conditioners and fans.

2. Air Conditioners

Learn how to cool down a room this summer with an air conditioner (A/C unit). Air conditioning is the process of regulating an interior climate by removing heat and controlling the humidity in the air. Not only can an A/C can be left on all night to keep you cool while you sleep, it can also reduce the amount of allergens and provide better air quality as well as keep the bugs at bay by creating a dry and cold environment. When choosing from the different types of A/Cs available, bear in mind that any model will require venting in order to function properly.

DIY Installation of Air Conditioning

It's possible to install some A/Cs yourself. Figure out just how to cool down a room with these DIY installation options.

Portable: A portable air conditioner (Portable A/C) is a self-contained portable cooling system which usually stands on the floor and comes with a quick setup installation kit. Portable A/Cs are affordable, relatively easy to move (as long as they are plugged in or vented through a window, wall, ceiling, or even a door), and require simple installation. A Portable A/C works by removing stagnant air which is then cooled and recirculated. It also removes the moisture and heat from the air through a ventilation system such as a window, sliding door, wall, drop-ceiling, or dryer vent. Some Portable A/Cs utilize a water collection tray for the condensation which accumulates during the cooling process. This tray will need to be emptied occasionally. However, many newer models are self-evaporating (no-drip units) and require no drainage.

Window: A window A/C is a self-contained ductless air-cooling system which can easily be installed to hang from a window, making it a great, nonpermanent cooling solution. Designed specifically for traditional double-hung windows, this unit is the perfect solution for homes without horizontal slider or casement windows. Using two air cycles, a window A/C uses a fan to blow the interior air over an evaporator to cool it down. Any heat drawn from the air is vented directly outdoors using a heat pump. Window A/Cs plug into a power outlet and can be moved from window to window (depending on the size and weight capacity).

Professional Installation of Air Conditioning

Professionally installed A/Cs require qualified assistance to ensure the correct sizing and wire connection.

Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner: A ductless mini split A/C does not require ductwork, making it simple to professionally install. Though it is necessary to connect all indoor units to an outdoor compressor, only a small hole is needed to run the refrigerant line, making these small units inconspicuous. Since it is possible to install multiple units, individual room cooling is possible. Mini split A/Cs function by pulling the warm air into the indoor unit over evaporator coils which are cooled with refrigerant. This cooled air is then sent out into the room while the warm air is moved to the outside unit (condenser).

Through-the-Wall: A through-the-wall A/C is an affordable long-term and long-lasting solution which doesn't take up floor or window space. It is ideal for newer constructions, replacement of old units, retrofits, or situations where window installation is not an option. The unit will need to be professionally installed through an appropriate wall. A through-the-wall A/C sucks hot air from the room and into the unit over a cooling condenser. This cool air is then pushed back into the room while the hot air produced by the unit's motor is pushed through vents at the back of the unit. Once the wall sleeve has been installed, a through-the-wall AC is easy to replace.

3. Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers can be plugged directly into a wall socket and are energy-efficient, using up to 75% less electricity than standard A/Cs. The evaporative cooling system uses moist pads, which are good air filters, as part of the cooling system. Evaporative coolers add moisture to the house and require no ductwork to function. They are best used in drier climates, as they add humidity to the air. An evaporative cooler doesn't use refrigerants, making it environmentally friendly. Unlike regular A/C, you should use your evaporative cooler with the window open to allow the dry and warm air to be drawn in for quicker evaporation.

4. Portable Fans

Portable fans are the simplest and most affordable option when searching for how to cool down a room. Unlike air conditioners, these do not need venting, with many needing little to no installation. Although portable fans are more efficient and cost-effective than A/C, they are only able to circulate the air in the immediate area.

Personal: A personal fan blows a stream of concentrated air in a single direction rather than across an entire room. It is the cheapest and most mobile cooling option available. Like other fans, most personal fans use a wall socket for power, but there are smaller models which can be plugged into a USB port. These fans work well in small spaces, are extremely affordable, and come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and designs.

Tower: Tower fans are named for their appearance. A tower fan fits well in corners and tight spaces because of its dimensions. Available in a range of styles, they are sleek and modern looking. Tower fans are also safer than most because the fan blades are recessed, making it less likely for accidents to happen. A tower fan's blades operate vertically, blowing the air through the unit and out of a small opening in the front. Many are oscillating, meaning they turn from side to side, cooling a larger space. Although they are a little cumbersome and not as portable as other fans, they can still be moved around.

Pedestal/Standing: One of the most popular fan types, a pedestal fan is adjustable, allowing you to receive good air coverage wherever you prefer. It oscillates at a wider angle and is more powerful than most fans. Pedestal fans are supported by an adjustable pole or stand which allows you to easily control the direction and height of the air without moving the fan itself. A pedestal fan usually requires some assembly.

Bladeless: A more recent invention, a bladeless fan is noiseless and safe due to the absence of blades. They are lightweight and elegant in design and consume very little energy. They are much lighter than most fans and can easily be moved from room to room. Not actually bladeless, this fan houses its blades within an enclosed base. Air is forced out through slits within the base and over the curved edge to create a smooth stream of air. This principle is similar to the aerodynamics of an aircraft wing.

Wall-Mounted: A wall-mounted fan pushes the air horizontally through a space instead of downward like a ceiling fan. A wall-mounted fan is better for directional cooling, as the effects can't always be felt at a distance. Because they are wall-mounted, these fans save floor space and don't require hardwiring. Their higher placement also makes them safer, and though attached to the wall, they can be moved and mounted in different locations.

Window-Fit: A window-fit fan is placed inside a window frame and often has side panels which expand to easily cover the entire window opening. This type of fan usually has one large or two small fans next to one another. A window-fit fan functions by removing stale air and odors from a room and replacing them with fresh air from outside, making it both an air-purifying and cooling appliance. A window-fit fan can be placed facing inward or outward. It's best to have the fan facing inward when external air is cooler than inside, so it can be sucked inward. It should face outwards during the hotter periods of the day, so the fan can draw hot air out of the room. For this reason, it's ideal to install more than one unit, each facing in a different direction. It's best to have the same number of fans blowing in each direction in order to draw in and blow out air equally. Some modern models offer two sets of fans which operate independently, allowing the removal of stale air and introduction of fresh air simultaneously. Window-fit fans are low-cost, environmentally friendly, and can be used to supplement an A/C.

Box: Named for its shape, a box fan is small and square. Box fans are inexpensive and portable and can even boost the efficiency of an already installed A/C. It is possible to place multiple box fans throughout your house. A box fan is freestanding and can double up as a window fan. Box fans are reversible, providing cooling by either removing warm air from the room or bringing in cool air from outside, depending on the direction it faces.

Misting: Available in both indoor and outdoor models, misting fans provide an evaporative cooling technology which is energy- and water-efficient. A misting fan works by blending a regular fan with a water pump. This water gets pumped through misting nozzles to produce a fine spray which is dispersed through the air by the fan. Portable misting fans create cleaner air by suppressing dust and air pollution and keep pesky insects at bay. They are portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They require no installation – only the regular filling of the reservoir.