Does keeping a bucket of water in a room keep it cool? Experts share their thoughts

During summer, keeping your space cool, particularly if you don’t have air conditioning, can seem an impossible task. There are many tips and tricks to be found online to beat the heat, but have you ever heard that keeping a bucket of water in a room can help to keep it cool?

If you have been researching how to keep a home cool in a heatwave, you might be wondering how this mysterious method works, or even if it works at all. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

From actually creating higher temperatures to increasing humidity, here are the reasons to put away your bucket for good, and what to do instead.

Does keeping a bucket of water in your room keep it cool?

The short answer is, unfortunately, no. ‘While cost-effective, a bucket of water in a room is sadly a myth,’ says Max Veggeberg, CEO and founder of Tetra. But why?

1. The effect is too minimal

In theory, keeping a bucket of water in your room helps to keep it cool as the air absorbs the water from the bucket as it evaporates, reducing the temperature. ‘This may, in the moment, cause an ever-so-slightly cooling effect, but this is typically minimal and not noticeable in larger spaces or over time,’ says Veggeberg.

As the temperature is not perceptibly reduced, it’s best to keep your bucket in the cupboard where it belongs. ‘The difference is negligible in a typical room, and won’t make a noticeable difference in temperature’ says Felicia Wilkes, home climate specialist at A-One Refrigeration & Heating Inc.

2. It will make the space feel more humid

By introducing a bucket of water into your space, you’re also inviting unwanted humidity, which will do the opposite of cooling your home.

‘It shall make the temperature a bit more humid,’ says Yashar Mosaferi, HVAC expert and president of Klondike AC. ‘This gives the impression of higher temperatures and feeling uncomfortable,’ he adds.

What to do instead

As a bucket of water is ineffective and, not to mention, unsightly, there are alternative ways to cool down your home which don’t have to break the bank (or your bucket).

1. Use fans or air-conditioning to control the temperature

A bucket of water might be more cost efficient than buying a fan or installing air conditioning, but, as it doesn’t work, it’s worth the investment elsewhere, particularly during a summer heatwave.

‘Temperature control, like an efficient AC or using a fan, is far more impactful,’ recommends Wilkes.

Fans can be bought on a budget, and once you’ve mastered how to cool a room with fans, you won’t need to battle with your bucket again.

2. Install proper insulation and ventilation

‘The effective ways of cooling include proper insulation and ventilation of the house,’ recommends Mosaferi.

Keep your windows open when the external temperature drops below that of your home, and create a cross breeze to maximize ventilation.

FAQs

How can I cool down my room cheaply?

Other options to reduce heat in your home include covering your windows with awnings or shutters to keep out sun rays and increase shaded areas, or using insulated curtains.

Consider installing a fan in rooms where you often spend time relaxing, such as your living room or bedroom, as a cheaper, more eco-friendly alternative to air conditioning.

How do I heat-proof my bed?

If the heat is affecting your ability to get a good night’s sleep, it might be time to heat-proof your bed.

Options for this include choosing a cooling mattress topper or trying cooling pillowcases. Swapping your winter duvet out for something lighter will also help keep heat at bay, so consider investing in summer bedding.

So, while keeping a bucket of water in a room won't keep it cool, there are plenty of other expert-approved options out there to beat the heat!