How To Stay Cool This Summer

Energy costs soared by 29% in 2021. That made this winter challenging to stay warm and comfortable.

Now, the attention turns to staying cool in the summer. Between record high temperatures, unheard-of heatwaves, and high energy costs, you need to be prepared to beat the heat.

It helps to know how to stay cool this summer, whether you rely on the air conditioning or want to find ways to live without it to save money. Keep reading to discover how to survive the summer weather and stay comfortable without spending a fortune.

Check Your HVAC Unit Now

This is the time to check your air conditioning unit, not on the hottest day of the year. Get an HVAC inspection now. Most HVAC installers and repair people aren’t overbooked right now. They usually are booked solid during heat waves.

There are a few reasons why you should have an HVAC inspection. The first is safety. You want to be sure that there’s nothing wrong with the HVAC unit.

The second is efficiency. An HVAC unit that doesn’t get maintained works harder to keep things cool in your home. If it works harder, it consumes more energy to run.

That turns into a huge energy bill when you were least expecting it.

Track Sunlight Throughout the Day

You probably bought or rented your home because of the ample natural light. Unfortunately, all of that sunshine can turn your home into a greenhouse in the summer.

Figure out which rooms get the most sunlight during the day. Use curtains to block sunlight and keep the temperatures cool.

Close Windows During the Day

You might be tempted to throw the windows open during the day to let your house air out. That’s the worst time to do it.

Open your windows at night when temperatures drop. Close them back up early to mid-morning to maintain the temperature inside.

If you live in an area that has a lot of noise, keep your windows closed at night so you can get some sleep. Open your windows and stick a box fan in a few of them to get cool air into the house.

That’s enough to bring down the temperature a few degrees. Close the windows back up and maintain the cool temperatures as long as you can.

Cool One Room at a Time

What if you don’t have central air running through your home? You can get an air conditioning unit that fits in your window.

The downside of that is you have to be in the room to enjoy it. You’ll end up spending money on multiple window units to beat the heat.

Then there are the costs to run those units. If you want to cool several rooms at a time, you’re better off finding other options.

You can buy a portable air conditioner and bring it with you as you move throughout the home. This is a good solution if you work from home.

Put an air conditioner in your office and stay cool throughout the workday. At the end of the workday, bring the unit to your living room.

Check out this resource for more information about portable air conditioning units.

Get Out of the House

The last couple of years forced most people to stay home to deal with the scorching summer months. Now that things are getting back to normal, you can get outside and visit places that have plenty of air conditioning.

Malls and movie theaters are the top getaway spots. A local coffee shop or restaurant are other places to go that allow you a temporary escape from the heat.

Eat Cooling Foods

You don’t have to eat ice chips to stay cool all day. Mother nature does provide plenty of foods that are perfect for hot weather.

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are perfect snacks for hot weather. Watermelon is another fruit that has high water content and cools you down.

Vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers do the same. Pick fresh fruit, cut them up, and put them in the freezer. They make great snacks that will keep you cool.

An alternative is to take your fresh fruit and make smoothies. Add milk and protein powder for a filling and cooling snack.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is easy to forget if you’re having a busy day. Yet, it’s one of the best ways to stay cool.

You don’t need to drink ice-cold water because it won’t stay cold for long in your body. If you’re not a fan of drinking plain water, there are ways to add some flavor. Take decaffeinated mint tea bags and put them in a pitcher of water. Stick it in the fridge for about eight hours.

You have a cooling drink with plenty of flavors. That works with any decaf herbal tea.

Keep the Stove Off

Nothing brings up the temperature of your home faster than turning on the oven. A heatwave isn’t the best time to make your favorite oven-roasted dishes.

There are appliances like a Crock-Pot Express that let you cook meals without raising the temperature of your home too much.

Summertime is grilling season, and it’s a great way to cook and keep the stove off. You can always order out or eat meals that don’t require a stove.

Check for Surprisingly Warm Appliances

There are home appliances that give off heat besides your stove. A TV can give off enough heat to raise the temperature by a degree or two in a small room.

Refrigerators, lights, and dishwashers can bring up the temperature as well. Be strategic about when you operate all of these appliances.