With the mercury rising I'm sure you will notice a jump in your utility bills to keep your home cool. Rather than going to the store and buying out the fans or installing an air conditioner here are a few ways to beat the heat without paying the price.
- Do your house work in the early morning or late in the evening. I know this doesn't sound very convenient but cranking the A/C while you clean during peak hours will not help you save on cooling costs.
- Turn off the oven. Resist all urges to bake cookies at noon when it's nearly 100 degrees out with high humidity. Break out your slow cooker, use the grill or try an electric roaster.
- Got ceiling fans? Make sure they are turning counter clock wise during the summer months.
- Close the curtains. Get in touch with your inner vampire and keep the sunlight out with some darker curtains or invest in some heat blocking curtains. I found some fabulous thermal curtains on Overstock at a great price.
- Eat cool. Don't eat chili on a boiling hot day, have a hearty salad instead. Rather than making cookies make some fudgesicles. Freeze grapes when they are in season and enjoy as a cool snack. Check out this list of foods high in water content.
- Can't afford A/C? Make your own air conditioner. Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan and sit right in front of the ice. Instant heat relief. Feeling a little more ambitious? Check out Popular Mechanic's list of DIY air conditioners.
- Keep hydrated. When you're properly hydrated you will stay cooler. Keep away from sugary drinks and stick with water.
- Rather than paying for one of those gel neck wraps to keep cool make your own! Take a long sock (or sew up a tube like shape with extra fabric) then fill it with rice, sew up the end and stick it in the freezer until you need it.
- Dress weather appropriate. Don't wear multiple layers if you don't have to. I know you may want to look good but sweat stains aren't cute. When at home wear whatever you're comfortable in. When at work make sure to check the dress code before wearing flip flops and shorts.
- Close the doors. No use of cooling a room you're not in. There's no point in cooling my bedroom while I'm in the living room watching TV.
Any tips on how to cool off without spending much money? Something besides sticking your face in the freezer or going to the grocery store and hanging out in the frozen food section?
Love these tips, nice summary! I'm happy to report that we currently utilize 7 of the 10 tips! Didn't know about the counter-clockwise ceiling fans though! Good tip! Thanks for posting :)