How to Keep Your Home Cool in Pakistani Summers
How to Keep Your Home Cool in Pakistani Summers
Blog Article
No AC? No problem! Our grandparents survived 50°C summers with these genius Desi hacks.
Welcome to Pakistan where the period between May to August brings extreme heat waves, load shedding and huge electricity bills. The Pakistan Meteorological Department states that cities like Jacobabad and Sibi often experience high temperature beyond 45°C resulting in making summers unbearable. If you're feeling the heat,sweating it out and wondering how to cool your home without spending alot of money on air conditioning then you're in the right place.
This guide provides environmental friendly,cost effective and completely desi methods to combat the heat.These tips are based on science, culture and grandma's wisdom so yes they will work.
Why Traditional Methods Work Better?
Before air conditioners and inverters, people in Pakistan survived using natural and affordable methods. These old-school hacks still work because:
Khus (Vetiver) Has Cooling Properties
Khus mats are basically moisture absorbing mats that release a natural earthy fragrance. As water evaporates from the khus, it decrease the temperature of nearby areas and cools the surrounding air through evaporative cooling, this is a natural process allows water to absorbs heat to change it from liquid form to vapor form, thus cooling the air.That is why soaking khus mats and placing them near windows feels so refreshing. Plus, they’re cheap and fragrant!
Cross-Ventilation Follows Nature
When you open windows specially at the early morning and after sunset, its the good time when fresh air moves through your home. This is free air conditioning, using wind direction and timing.
Clay Pots Keep Things Cool
Clay pots that can’t be glazed absorb heat and moisture such as matkas. When placed near windows or in windy areas the water inside evaporates gradually as a result temperature of the surrounding air becomes lower. This is a traditional method of evaporative cooling and this method is used worldwide in hot, dry climates.
“A very dear friend of mine in Multan once shared with me the traditional tactics of how her family kept their home cool without using an air conditioner. She said during a heatwave, they hung wet curtains on the windows and placed large clay pots filled with water in the corners of their rooms. She said it made a big difference, and even their guests were surprised by the result of this desi jugad. Ever since this is the part of their summer routine.”
AC vs. Traditional Methods
| Feature | Air Conditioner | Desi Methods |
| Cost | High (Rs. 60,000+) | Low/Free |
| Electricity Use | Very High | Low |
| Eco-Friendliness | Harmful (CFC gases) | Eco-friendly |
| Effectiveness | High but limited to room | Whole house |
Disclaimer: Traditional methods work best when combined and during moderate heat. In extreme 50°C+ conditions, they reduce discomfort but may not fully replace AC comfort.
15 Desi Jugaad Cooling Hacks (2025 Edition)
Khus Khus Curtains & Screens
Soak khus mats in water and hang them outside windows. Add a fan nearby to blow cool air inside. Available at Khusplaza and local bazaars.
DIY Desert Cooler (Battery-Operated)
What you need: plastic crate, small fan, ice bottles, khus mat. Place ice bottles inside, fan on one side, khus mat behind. Power it with a battery or solar panel. Idea: Make a YouTube tutorial!
Cross-Ventilation with Desi Timing
Open east-facing windows from 5:00 to 7:00 AM. Close windows during peak heat (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Open again after sunset for natural breeze.
According to meteorological data, Punjab and Sindh experience wind shifts during these times, perfect for cooling.
Thermal-Proof Your Roof with White Paint or Chuna
Apply white chuna (lime) or reflective paint on the roof. Reflects sunlight like rural katcha homes. Keeps top floor 5–7°C cooler.
Indoor Plants as Natural Coolers
Best plants: Snake plant, Aloe Vera, Areca palm. They release oxygen and cool the air.
Buy from Greenery.pk or nurseries in Lahore & Islamabad.
Clay Matka Air Cooler
Place matkas near windows. Fill with water and let air pass around them.Instant desi humidifier and air cooler!
Heat-Blocking Curtains
Use dark, thick curtains (blackout curtains are best). Found in Sunday Bazaars or Gul Ahmed’s blackout range. Keep them closed between 11 AM to 4 PM.
Chill Your Sheets with Ice Packs
Freeze gel packs or water bottles. Place under pillowcases 30 minutes before sleeping.
Sweet, sweat-free dreams!
Switch to LED Bulbs
Old bulbs = hot rooms. LED bulbs save energy and reduce heat. KE (K-Electric) says you can cut 20–30% on bills just by switching.
Cook Outside in Summer
Shift your stove outside or use an angeethi/BBQ. Keeps the kitchen and house cool.
Bonus: outdoor chai tastes better anyway!
DIY “Air-Conditioned” Room
Hang a wet bed sheet in front of a fan. As air passes, it cools down. Cheap, quick fix—used in Punjab for decades!
Use Bamboo/Chatai Floor Mats
Walk barefoot on cool chatais instead of hot tiles. Found in local markets like Anarkali, Liaquatabad. Keeps body temperature down.
Freeze Your Roti Dough
Kneading creates heat. Prepare roti dough early in the morning and freeze for later use. Less kitchen sweat, more chill!
Night-Time Roof Sleeping (Chatt Par Sona)
Still common in Sindhi and Punjabi villages. Set up charpai, mosquito net, and enjoy the cool breeze.Karachiites: Use sea breeze around 2-4 AM!
Turn Off Heat-Generating Devices
Chargers, TVs, and PCs generate heat even on standby. Unplug when not in use. Saves energy and lowers room temperature.
Products to Enhance Cooling (Budget Picks)
| Product | Use | Where to Buy | Approx. Price |
| Khus Mats | Curtains/Coolers | Khusplaza | Rs. 1,040–1,440 |
| Bamboo Fans | Manual cooling | Daraz, Local shops | Rs. 150–500 |
| Blackout Curtains | Heat blocking | Gul Ahmed, Sunday Bazaars | Rs. 1,500+ |
| Matkas | Air cooling | Local potteries | Rs. 200–600 |
| Aloe Vera Plant | Air cooling | Greenery.pk | Rs. 300–500 |
????What NOT to Do
- Avoid metal roofs — They soak up heat and make your home hotter by midday. If you have one, try covering it with reflective materials or mats.
- Don’t cook heavy meals during the hottest hours —Making biryani at 1 PM = tandoor inside your house. Cooking inside adds extra heat. Instead, cook early morning or outdoors on an angeethi or BBQ.
- Use blackout curtains instead of just dark curtains — Dark curtains without insulation can trap and radiate heat.
- Unplug devices when not in use — Chargers and electronics generate unwanted heat.
- Don’t keep all windows shut during the day — Open them early morning and after sunset for natural cooling through cross-ventilation.
Conclusion:
Pakistani summers are very harsh, but through some clever thinking and some vintage desi sense, we can cool down without burning a hole in our pockets or the environment. The clay pots and wet curtains to whitewash roofs and the additional planting of trees, such little measures can prove to be a game-changer. They cool our homes. Besides, they save electricity and save our planet too. Give a few of these hacks a try this summer — your body, wallet, and even the environment will thank you!
Chill Like Your Dada-Nana Did!
Call to Action:
Which hack will you try? Have your own family jugaars? Share your #Desi Jugaad in the comments! Because honestly… 50°C isn’t a vibe, hun.
Check out more sustainable summer hacks and traditional lifestyle tips at PakistaniDiary.pk — your go-to guide for practical desi living! Report this page