11 Ways To Beat Summer Heat Without Breaking the Bank

Everything costs more now. Here are some tips on surviving the heat on the cheap.

While summer may not be here yet, some places have gotten a taste of what’s to come with some high-temperature days and uncomfortable nights. As has happened in previous years, the relative comfort of springtime temperatures may be fleeting compared to the blistering summer temperatures.

While some folks have found ways to beat the rising cost of energy with green options, not everyone has the luxury or resources to make this happen. But running an air conditioner for even a part of the day can quickly run up the bill. With the financial hit that many of us have taken recently, high energy bills are not something we look forward to dealing with.

With that in mind, here are a few tips for beating the summer heat that won’t put an undue strain on your household’s budget.

Drink lots of water

Self-hydrating is the first and best step to take to cool down. The water temperature doesn’t matter much as your body will heat it, but if you’re wilting from the heat and your body needs to cool off, it needs moisture to do so. Drinking water frequently will keep you dehydrating and risking heatstroke.

Smart fan usage

Aiming windowed box fans outside will draw hot air out of your home. Other fans providing a cross-breeze will keep the cooler air circulating. Similarly, if it’s cooler in the mornings where you are, you can just have windows open in the morning to encourage warm air to be pulled out of your home and replaced with cooler morning air from another window.

Ceiling fans can be tricky to install, but if you have access to one or can manage to get one installed fairly cheaply, you should certainly go for it. Air circulation is key in the summer months.

Fans come in all shapes and sizes these days. Even small fans produce a surprising amount of breeze, and not all require standard plugs. I’ve found lightweight USB-powered fans that clip to the edge of my laptop does a lot to help keep me cool when working during the summer months. Fans these days come with clips and bendable supports, allowing for a greater variety in placement and usage. Take advantage of this to find the best little indoor breezes you can. Simply being near a fan can reduce your body temperature.

Not using a room? Close the door.

The more open space, the more effort it takes to keep the area cool. If you’re not relying on a room to provide a breeze through a window, consider closing the door to that room. This is particularly wise if the room is on a sun-facing side.

Shut the curtains or blinds

If your windows face the sun more often than not, I recommend closing the curtains or shuttering the blind to keep the sun from coming directly into the house and heating everything up.

You could go a step further and install blackout curtains to help insulate the room and decrease the temperature rise over the day.

Make use of the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans

Cooking and hot showers can contribute to the overall heat accumulating in your living space. Switching on the exhaust fan in your kitchen will draw out the hot air that rises after cooking, and eliminates the steam from your shower.

Change up your cooking routine

Speaking of cooking, oven heat can accumulate throughout your home. Some ways to beat this would be preparing foods earlier in the morning — the coolest part of the day — for quick reheating later in the day. Slow cooker meals work well as they keep any heat in a relatively small and isolated spot.

Or plan to grill outside. Let breezes carry away heat and smoke. Eat outdoors and enjoy some pleasant barbecue.

Try a cold bath or shower

You can lower your core temperature by taking a cold bath or shower. While it may seem like a very temporary solution, it’s also an excellent way to help stave off heat stroke or exhaustion. You could also try hosing down in the backyard if you have that option, or even running through a sprinkler.

Apply cold cloths to your neck or wrists

If getting entirely wet doesn’t work for you, try applying a cold washrag or dishcloth to your wrists or around your neck to help cool down. Ever wonder by these are also areas often used to check your pulse? That’s because they are part of the body where blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin. By using a cold cloth on these areas, you’ll cool down more quickly.

Crash in the basement

Heat rises. In many homes, bedrooms are on the second floor. If you have trouble sleeping at night because it’s too warm, there’s no law that says you have to stay in the bedroom. Set up a sleeping area with a box fan in the basement. These areas are usually colder at night. If you have a basement, consider crashing there for the night.

Smart air conditioner use

If things are getting grim and you need to turn on the air conditioning, resist the urge to turn it to its lowest setting. In fact, try not to drop it to below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The air conditioner will run longer to reach those low temperatures, costing more energy, and may actually make your place too chilly. Seeking balance after that is just further waste of energy.

By setting the air conditioner to around 70, you keep the living space cool enough for relief and comfort while not expending more energy than necessary.

Finally…

Sometimes you need to think outside the box (if you consider your home a box, that is). In other words, check out what resources your community offers to help bear the heat. Some areas host cooling areas stocked with water and misting stations. Community pools will sometimes adjust their hours to maximize availability to local residents.

Granted, with COVID-19 still being a concern, there may be some limits placed on how many people can be present at a single time, but these are definitely options to explore.

The summer heat can be dangerous. Take whatever steps you can to stay cool. You don’t necessarily have to use up a lot of electricity to do so. Still, if firing up the air conditioner is your only viable option, it’s best to play it safe.

Be smart. Be safe. Stay cool.

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