Tips for Beating the Heat – and Saving Money in the Process

Even though we’re having some whacky weather, it’ll soon be summer. That means we’ll be wasting lots of energy and spending lots of money on air conditioning. Summer can be a very expensive month! Today I’m going to share my favorite tips for keeping cool on hot days – without spending a lot of money.

Wear light, loose fitting clothes – During these hot days, comfort is key. Walking around in heavy jeans and dark shirts is only inviting the heat. Relieve some of the warmth by wearing cool, airy linens or other fabrics that easily breathe. Tight clothes are a no-no, you want the air to circulate.

Drink lots of water – Water is probably the best thing you can put in your body at any time of the year. By drinking lots of cool water during the day you’re warding off dehydration and keeping your body temperature down. I like to add ice and a splash of lemon juice.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol – If you drink lots of coffee, soda or tea, try switching to the decaffeinated and sugar free varieties – at least until summer is over. You’d do well to avoid excessive alcohol consumption as well. These beverages tend to cause dehydration. While they may initially cool you off, they’ll just make you feel hotter in the long run.

Make your own ice pops – Either invest in plastic ice pop molds or use an ice cube tray and tooth picks to make healthy, frozen fruit juice ice pops to cool off kids of all ages.

Block out the sunlight – By closing the window and lowering the shades, you’re blocking the sun from entering your home and cooling off the house in the process.

Cut back on protein - protein helps your body to produce heat. Try eating salads and fresh fruit instead.

Fill up the wading pool – There’s no shame in dunking your feet in the wading pool – no matter what your age. Bring a chair over, open a good book and have a nice cooling read.

Spend some time underground – If your basement is livable, you may want to hang out downstairs. Basements are ten to twenty degrees cooler than the rest of your house. Try planning some activities downstairs.

Fans – It’s essential to keep air circulating during this oppressive heat. Utilize ceiling and other fans to keep things moving.

Avoid the oven – The oven just adds more heat to an already hot home. If you can barbecue outside, this is your best option. If you must use the oven, try making dinner earlier in the day and reheating in the microwave at dinner time.

Go to a movie – If it’s too hot in the house, go somewhere you know the air conditioning will be working. The movie theater, the mall or the library are all great places to keep cool during the hottest part of the day.

Ice cold watermelon – Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day that a slice or two of ice cold watermelon. The local farmer’s market is sure to have some good deals this time of year.

Plant trees – Ok so they take a while to grow but trees add shade and beauty to a home. The National Arbor Day Foundation will send you ten free trees when you join. Membership is $10. but it’s a good investment when you consider the beautiful trees you’ll be planting around your yard. If you have a small property, go in with some of your neighbors.

I hope some of these tips will help you keep cool throughout the summer. If all else fails, just relax and take it easy. Sometimes the best way to keep cool is to do nothing at all.