Low-Cost Tips for Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat

As we work our way through the dog days of summer, we thought that it might be worth taking a look at cheap ways to keep yourself and your home cool during the summer – and without using air-conditioning, the anti-frugal way to run up your energy bill. We came across an article on Weather.com recently that listed several great ways to Beat the Heat Without Busting the Budget.

A few of our favorites:

…on keeping your home cool:

  • In dry climates, hanging damp sheets in an open window helps cool the air before it enters the house.
  • You can also banish the sun by applying reflective coating to windows; if window replacement is already on your to-do list, choose a double-pane type with Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings that let in visible light while blocking infrared rays.
  • …on keeping your body cool:

  • Special cooling bandanas that look just like the regular accessory contain a polymer that absorbs water. They are soaked in water and worn around the neck; as the water evaporates, it cools the neck — sort of like a little personal refrigerator, but more fashionable. It’s best to do a little research on these, as some cooling bandanas may not make you as comfortable as others.
  • No matter how many tricks you have up your short sleeves for staying cool, accept the truth: The body will simply not cooperate in hot weather, so you will feel more sluggish and tired. Instead of fighting a losing battle, take advantage of the situation by keeping chores to a minimum. Steering clear of tasks involving appliances doubles your winnings, as dryers and stoves emit heat. Leaving off the lights and television keeps things even cooler.
  • …on keeping cool outside:

  • Wake up the kid in you with a water-balloon fight, a squirt-gun war or a run through the sprinkler; create a homemade sprinkler slide using large trash bags.
  • In addition to these ideas, be sure to take a look at all of the great money-saving tips for keeping cool without breaking the bank that are posted right here on TipHero.com:

    How to Save Money on Air-Conditioning (TipHero.com tips)

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    Photo credit: StormyDog