An “Ice Fan” is the 10-Minute DIY That Can Get You Through the Most Scorching Summer Days

Stuck without air conditioning this summer? If you’re just trying to make it through the odd temperature spike or if you’re trying to make due while your own air conditioner is out of commission, don’t worry: If you have a tabletop fan and a freezer, you can make yourself an ice fan, aka a DIY makeshift cooling machine.

For those that live in areas with regularly sweltering temperatures, a portable air conditioner or learning how to install your own window air conditioner are certainly the best options for staying cool. But sometimes you just need to bridge a day or two without air conditioning, or you want to give yourself a little extra cooling during especially hot days. In those cases, an ice fan can be a good makeshift option.

Keep in mind that a DIY ice fan is a very localized cooler, so you’re only going to be able to cool down a small area. It’s also not a substitute for actual air conditioning when temperatures reach dangerously high levels; in those cases, those without air conditioning should take precautions (especially if they live with pets, kids, and the elderly).

While nothing quite beats the icy air blasting from air conditioning, you don’t have to settle for a muggy, sticky home environment — especially when you’re trying to sleep. Follow the instructions below to set up a new cooling system in less than 10 minutes.

• Fan (box or standing)
• Large bowl (metal or glass works best)
• Ice cubes
• Towel
• Table or boxy platform of some sort

Make sure your ice machine is on and gather enough ice to fill a mid to large-size bowl. Grab the rest of your materials and select the room you need to cool down. A metal or glass bowl works best for your ice since those materials get much colder (and hold onto the cold better) than a plastic bowl. 

Tip: While ice cubes are best, you might not have them or (oops) you forgot to fill the ice tray back up. You can add other frozen items, like frozen bags of vegetables, to your bowl in a pinch.

If your fan isn’t a tabletop version, use a box, table, or another tall platform in front of your fan to raise your bowl of ice to the height of the fan blades. Lay a towel over the table to protect it from any condensation or leaks, then set your bowl of ice on top.

Power up your fan and set it on the highest setting. The melting ice in tandem with the wind will make for an icy breeze that’ll help you stay cool and keep the temperature of your room comfortable.