The 7 Best Ways To Keep Your Bathroom Cool During Sweltering Summers
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Summer temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities, like surfing, fishing, and getting a tan by the pool. Unfortunately, while the sweltering heat makes a dip in the ocean feel refreshing, it can also leave your indoor spaces extremely uncomfortable. This discomfort is most pronounced in a bathroom when showering and dressing for the day. The sticky environment makes it unpleasant to put clothes on, and the heat and humidity create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive. Therefore, taking steps to cool your bathroom down is essential for both your health and comfort.
However, not everyone has central A.C., so making it cool can be tricky. But don't worry, there are several strategies you can implement to battle the stubborn humidity and cooking temps. Creating cross ventilation, for example, increases airflow, dispersing any hot air that was trapped in the bathroom. Homeowners can also install insulation film over their windows to block out light and heat from the sun. Even switching from a traditional vent to a duct booster fan will help drop the temperature in your bathroom. You'll find combining a few of the strategies listed below is the best way to achieve a cool bathroom that feels more like a relaxing oasis than a sweltering sauna. Let's take a look at your options.
Open windows to create cross ventilation
Rest assured, with just two windows that line up across from one another, or a bathroom window that lines up with a living room window, you can effectively cool your bathroom using the power of cross ventilation. Cross ventilation works to push warm, stale air out of the bathroom and replace it with cooler, fresh air. Opening the windows creates a channel for the air to flow through. The cool air coming in through the window pushes out the hot air sitting stagnant in the bathroom, creating a delightful breeze that is able to keep your space at a more comfortable temperature.
To cool down your bathroom using cross ventilation, you simply need to open your windows. The windows should be opposite each other, otherwise you'll just be letting muggy air in. If you have a door opposite your window instead of another window, you can still create a channel for cross ventilation by opening that door and then a window on the other side of the house, so long as it sits across from that door. The pathway needs to run straight from left to right or front to back.
Install a ceiling fan to increase air flow
Not every bathroom is set up for cross ventilation. If that is the case in your home, you can increase the airflow within the room by installing a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans do an excellent job of keeping the bathroom air from becoming stagnant, just like cross ventilation, while also creating a cooling effect on your skin. The important thing to remember is which way the blades on your fan are rotating. You need them to rotate counterclockwise in order to push the cooler air back down into the room to create a refreshing breeze.
When you're ready to install one in your bathroom, there are two versions to consider. You can go the traditional route, which requires the help of a licensed electrician to wire and mount. There's also the option to replace the light bulb in your ceiling with a screw-in socket fan. For this option, all that is required is unscrewing the old light and then screwing in the fan in its place. You can get one for as little as $50 on Amazon, and you control it with the help of a battery-operated remote.
Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture
Another way to cool down a bathroom during sweltering summers is to set up a dehumidifier. This handy device works to remove the humid moisture from the air so that you are left with drier air that feels cooler on your skin. Many dehumidifier models also have fan features to further make your bathroom a comfortable temperature. This is an excellent option if you don't currently have a ceiling fan. Since dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes, you're sure to find one that would work best in your bathroom space.
It's important to note that dehumidifiers collect moisture from the air in an attached bin, which needs to be emptied regularly to prevent overflow. For optimal performance, choose a dehumidifier based on the following capacities: a 20 to 22-pint unit for a small room, a 30-pint unit for a medium room, and a 45 to 50-pint unit for a large space. However, you typically want a 10-pint humidifier for a space of 500 square feet or less, and since most full bathrooms are around 60 square feet and primary bathrooms are 110 square feet, a 10- or 20-pint humidifier is more than enough.
Cover the windows with blackout drapes
One of the reasons your bathroom is heating up is because of the sun. As the sun enters the room through the glass window, it begins to warm the space. If the room is closed up, it can even create a greenhouse effect. One way to keep the bathroom cool and comfortable is to install blackout drapes. These types of curtains are designed to prevent light from entering the room, which keeps temperatures from rising. As an added bonus, the blackout drapes will prevent the fading of any fabric that's in the path of the sun's rays, such as a shower curtain or bathroom rug.
To install blackout drapes, you must first measure your window. Windows come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll need to have the measurements with you when you shop. Next, make sure the curtain rod you're using can support the weight of the drapes, as they are typically heavier than traditional window coverings. Once the rod is installed, you can hang the drapes from the rod. You may wish to keep the windows covered with the blackout drapes all day during hot weather, or simply close them during the hottest portion of the day.
Install a portable air conditioner to cool the space
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 66% of homes have central air. If you fall into the category of the other 34%, you'll want to consider installing a portable air conditioner in your bathroom to combat the hot summer heat. Portable air conditioners are able to draw in warm air and cool it down using a refrigerant. The more pleasant air is then pushed back into the room. Portable air conditioners also have water bins that need to be emptied, although there are larger units that can be installed with hoses that expel the water out a window.
Most bathrooms should be able to get away with a compact portable air conditioner, such as the Soanufa Portable Conditioner on Amazon, which won't take up too much space. These units can be powered via an outlet. Many have a variety of extra features, including multiple fan and cooling speeds, colored night lights, and built-in timers. Units designed for larger rooms will require a bigger space for set-up, and this space should be located near a window. A hose will need to be attached and hung out the window using the provided kit. With the larger unit, you'll be able to use the control panel to set the exact temperature you'd like the room air to be. However, if you're using a larger appliance to cool the room, it might be a better use of energy to cool the master bedroom or living room attached to the bathroom instead, and let the cold air seep into the bathroom.
Cover the window with insulation film
In the event that you want the effect of blackout drapes with the ability to continue to enjoy an outdoor view, insulation film is an excellent option. Insulation film works to both keep a bathroom cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Typically, window insulation film is constructed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It's thin and costs under $20, making it an affordable option to help keep summer heat at bay. For instance, the Duck Brand Shrink Film Insulator Kit is $18 on Amazon.
To install the window insulation film, you'll first need to measure your window, add 2 inches to the measurements on each side, and then cut a piece of plastic to match. Next, apply the provided double-sided tape around the edges of the window frame. Press the plastic over the tape until it is secure. Use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic. You'll want the plastic to be nice and taut with no wrinkles. Finally, check the edges for any air leaks. Add more tape for a better seal if needed.
Install a duct booster fan to reduce the temperature
If you have an HVAC system, you can further cool your bathroom by swapping out your old vent cover for a duct booster fan. The fan is designed to improve airflow by pulling the cool air from the duct and then releasing it more forcefully into your bathroom. This type of fan offers several temperature and airflow settings, allowing homeowners to customize their bathroom environment. Also nice is the price. You'll find there are plenty of duct booster fan options for just under $50, such as the Register Booster Fan on Amazon.
Measure your vent register, as you'll need these measurements to purchase the correct model. Once you have the booster fan, remove the old vent register and install the fan. For most units, this simply involves the use of two screws and plugging the power cord into an outlet. Set the thermostat to your desired temperature and then select your preferred airflow speed.