How To Cool a Room With No Windows! | Air & Energy of NWFL

Feeling like you're living in a sauna because your room has no windows to let in a cool breeze?

You can transform your windowless room from a sweltering nightmare into a cool oasis with a few creative and efficient strategies. You don’t even need to be a DIY whizz or have a colossal budget.

Curious? Read on, and let's beat the heat!

Portable air conditioners are a robust solution to cool a room without windows effectively.

These standalone units are compact and mobile, making them ideal for rooms of any size. They work by pulling in air from the room, cooling it, and circulating the chilled air back into it.

The heat from the air is expelled via an exhaust hose, which can usually be run through a door, drop ceiling, or wall.

Some portable AC unit models even come with condensate buckets or self-evaporative functions, meaning you won't have to deal with constant drainage.

A mini-split system is another effective solution for cooling a room without windows.

Also known as a ductless air conditioner, it consists of an outdoor compressor and condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are connected by a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and condensate drain.

The ductless air conditioner operates quietly and efficiently, pulling in hot air, cooling it, and then sending it back into the room. And as the indoor unit is mounted on the wall, you don't need a window for installation.

The mini-split system gives you the freedom to control the temperature of individual rooms, ensuring a comfortable, cool environment even in your windowless spaces.

Through-the-wall air conditioners offer an alternative cooling solution for rooms without windows.

These units are installed in a hole made in the wall, insulated to prevent air leakage, and then sealed.

They operate by pulling in warm air from the room, cooling it, and then pushing the cooled air back into the room while expelling the heat outside through the rear of the unit.

A through the wall air conditioner is typically more energy-efficient than a portable air conditioner, and unlike a mini-split system, all components are housed in one unit.

So whether you have a small bedroom or a large living area without windows, this makes them a cost-effective and space-saving solution.

Also known as swamp coolers, evaporative coolers are an eco-friendly method to cool a room without windows.

This cooling system utilizes the natural evaporation process to cool the air. The cooler pulls in hot air from the room and passes it over water-saturated pads, causing the water to evaporate and cool the air. This cooled air is then circulated back into the room.

Despite the lack of windows, you can use ducts or openings to expel the hot air out of the room. Thus the simplicity of the design makes them energy-efficient and cost-effective.

However, it's important to note that evaporative coolers work best in dry climates, as areas with high humidity levels can limit their effectiveness.

While dehumidifiers might not directly cool the air, they play a crucial role in making a room without windows more comfortable during hot weather.

Dehumidifiers work by extracting excess water from the air, thus lowering the humidity level. This improved air quality can give the perception of a cooler environment, enhancing comfort levels even during peak summer conditions.

By reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers make the air feel cooler than it actually is. This is because high humidity can make the air feel warmer than its actual temperature due to the decreased evaporation rate of sweat from your skin.

Although a dehumidifier cannot replace a cooling system, it can certainly supplement it, making your room a more pleasant space to be in.

Although a ceiling fan doesn't directly cool the air, it contributes significantly to the cooling effect in a windowless room.

It works by circulating the air around the room, creating a draft that makes the room feel cooler than it actually is.

The moving air improves the evaporation rate of your skin, making you feel more comfortable. This effect, known as the "wind chill factor," can make the room feel up to four degrees cooler.

It's important to note that a ceiling fan works best when paired with other cooling methods, as it supports and enhances its effectiveness. Also, remember to turn it off when you leave the room, or you'll just be wasting electricity.

The "Two Fan Trick" is a simple yet ingenious technique that can be particularly effective in a room without windows.

Here's how it works: you'll need two fans - one at the top and another at the bottom of the room.

The fan at the bottom, known as the intake fan, should be positioned to take in cooler air from the bottom of the room (since cool air sinks).

The second fan, or the exhaust fan, is placed higher up, facing outwards, to push out the hot air that rises.

This creates a continuous flow of cool air circulating through the room, effectively reducing the overall temperature. It might take a bit of experimenting to work out, but once you get it going, you should be able to cool yourself down.

Another ingenious cooling method that requires minimal equipment is the Floor Fan and Ice trick.

This method makes use of a large floor fan and a bowl full of ice. Position the fan so it's pointing towards the area you wish to cool, and place the bowl of ice in front of it.

As the fan operates, it blows air over the ice. The coolness from the ice is carried by the air into the room, effectively lowering the room's temperature.

While this method won't cool a room as effectively as an air conditioning system, it can certainly make the environment more comfortable on a hot day, especially in a room devoid of windows.

Remember to refill the ice as it melts to maintain the cooling effect.

The ultimate solution to cooling a room without windows? Simply get a window installed.

This may seem like a drastic measure, but it's undoubtedly an effective one. You'll finally be able to cool the room with fresh air and potentially increase your home's value!

This process would involve hiring a professional to assess the structure of your home and determine the most suitable location for a window.

Then, either with professional assistance or by yourself, you can install the window, making sure to comply with local building codes and regulations.

In a windowless room, the heat generated by electrical appliances can significantly contribute to the overall temperature.

Even when in 'standby' mode, these devices produce heat, adding to the stuffiness of a room with no ventilation.

Switching off and unplugging appliances when not in use can help reduce this excess heat. This applies to everything from your laptop and television to your lamps and even smaller devices like phone chargers.

By minimizing the use of these heat-generating appliances, you can make the room's atmosphere more bearable during hot weather, even without the presence of windows.

Traditional incandescent bulbs can generate a lot of heat, contributing to the overall warmth of a windowless room.

Swapping them out for LED lights can be a simple yet effective way to reduce the temperature. LED lights are energy-efficient and emit very little heat, helping to keep the room cooler.

Moreover, they last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs, making this switch both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Keeping your doors shut can also contribute to cooling a windowless room.

This method works by trapping the cooler air inside the room and preventing it from mixing with the hotter air from the rest of your home.

This is especially beneficial if other areas of your house are significantly warmer, as open doors can allow warm air to flow into your room, raising its temperature.

If you can't escape a warm room, you can always try to cool yourself down instead.

Consider using a damp washcloth on your forehead or the back of your neck, drinking plenty of cold water to stay hydrated, and wearing breathable, lightweight fabrics.

You can also use cooling gel packs or a cool mist spray for a quick refresh, and avoid doing any strenuous activity that might elevate your body temperature.

There are numerous innovative and practical ways to cool a room without windows.

From utilizing dual fan systems and ice cooling techniques to installing energy-efficient LED lights and minimizing the use of heat-generating appliances, there is a multitude of options to explore.

If you're still struggling with temperature control and live in Pensacola, Florida, our Air & Energy of NWFL expert team is always here to help.

Contact us, and we will guide you through the best HVAC solutions to meet your specific cooling needs.

This article was written by:

Nathan Noa

Co-founder and Home Comfort Specialist

Click here to connect with Nathan on LinkedIn