September heatwave solutions: Ancient Egyptian cooling secrets
It's September, but the autumn weather is nowhere to be found outside the window. We are still enduring African-like heat waves. Is it hard to fall asleep in a heated apartment? It's time to try a trick we know from ancient Egyptians. Although they didn't have air conditioning, they dealt with the heat much more effectively than we do.
6 September 2024 07:53
Ancient Egyptians were true experts in protecting against the sun and heat. Their buildings were constructed with materials that provided good insulation and were designed to allow ventilation and limit direct sunlight.
Although contemporary buildings in Canada rarely meet these standards, the teachings of ancient Egyptians can be a valuable source of knowledge for architects and developers. One ancient method is still effective today and does not require significant investments.
The Egyptian trick you can use today
It is worth using light curtains soaked in water.
You can cover yourself by soaking a sheet or towel in cold water. If you don't want to sleep under wet fabric, there is another trick. You can hang a wet sheet in an open window.
When air flows through the wet fabric, the water evaporates, absorbing heat and lowering the temperature in the room. The evaporative cooling effect known since ancient times is still effective.
When choosing a fabric to soak in water, consider its durability and water absorption capacity. Cotton is an excellent choice here — it absorbs water well, is durable, and easy to clean. Linen is another option.
It is also worth protecting the area under the curtain with a towel and regularly monitoring the condition of the fabrics. Wet curtains can become hotspots for mold and mildew, so regular washing and drying are necessary.
It is also worth considering insulation during the day to create comfortable sleeping conditions on hot days. Blinds and curtains covering the windows will help maintain a cool room temperature.
