Keeping your home cool in the summer without relying on air conditioning might seem tough, but it’s totally doable. With a few simple tricks, you can beat the heat and save on energy bills. From smart fan placement to switching up your cooking habits, there are plenty of ways to keep your space comfortable. Here are the best easy and effective ways to maintain a cool home without turning on the AC. These tips will help you stay comfortable all summer long.
Close Blinds and Curtains
Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun’s heat. This simple step can significantly lower the temperature inside, reducing the need for additional cooling.
Use Fans Strategically
Place fans in windows to create a cross breeze, drawing cool air in and pushing hot air out. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push air downwards, creating a wind-chill effect that cools the room.
Open Windows at Night
Open windows at night when the air outside is cooler. This allows fresh, cool air to circulate through your home, lowering the overall temperature. For best results, create a cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home.
Cook Outside
Avoid using the oven or stove, which can heat up your home. Grill outside or prepare no-cook meals like salads and sandwiches to keep the indoor temperature down. This not only keeps your home cooler but also makes for a fun outdoor dining experience.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation keeps the heat out and the cool in. Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Weather-strip doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
Use Light Bedding
Switch to lightweight sheets and blankets in the summer. Cotton and linen are breathable fabrics that help keep you cool while you sleep. Ditch heavy comforters for thin, airy layers that promote better airflow and reduce night sweats.
Install Window Reflectors
Use reflective window film or shades to deflect sunlight away from your home. This reduces the amount of heat entering through your windows, significantly lowering indoor temperatures and keeping your living spaces more comfortable.
Cool Down with Cold Water
Take cold showers or use damp, cold washcloths on your skin. This can help lower your body temperature and make the heat more bearable. You can also soak your feet in a bucket of cold water or mist yourself with a spray bottle.
Create Shade Outside
Plant trees or install awnings and shades outside your windows to block the sun’s rays. This natural barrier can significantly cool down the interior of your home by reducing the amount of direct sunlight hitting your windows and walls.
Turn Off Electronics
Electronics generate heat, so turn off unnecessary devices and lights. Unplugging chargers and using energy-efficient bulbs can also reduce the overall heat in your home. Minimizing electronic use during peak heat hours helps maintain a cooler environment.
11 Ways To Refresh Your Kitchen on a Shoestring Budget
Looking to give your kitchen a new lease on life without emptying your wallet? You’re in luck! We’ve put together clever and affordable ways to refresh your space. From simple swaps to DIY projects, these tips will help you create a fresh look in your kitchen without the high cost.
Read it Here: 11 Ways To Refresh Your Kitchen on a Shoestring Budget
15 Foods You Should Be Buying At The Dollar Store To Save Money
Dollar stores can be a treasure trove for savvy shoppers looking to cut down on grocery bills. From breakfast staples to snack-time favorites, they offer an array of eats that will save you some cash. While inflation’s impact means not many items are actually just one dollar anymore, you can still score some great foods for significantly less money than shopping at the normal grocery store. Here are the top picks that make the extra shopping trip worthwhile.
Read it Here: 15 Foods You Should Be Buying At The Dollar Store To Save Money
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
