Wondering How to Keep Cool This Summer?

Ways to Stay Cool at Home Without Air Conditioning

• Open windows to find a breeze before turning on fans. If the breeze doesn't do it, put one fan in a window with the breeze coming in (fan blowing into the room), and another in an opposite facing window with a fan blowing out.

• Keep windows open at night, but close them in the morning to keep cooler air in.

• Use fans - consider getting (or making) mister fans (misting fans)

• Make your own mister fan by freezing water in a 2 litre pop bottle, then setting it in front of your fan. This is safer than having liquid water around the fan.

• Put one fan in a window to blow hot air out.

• Turn fans off when no-one's in the room. They can produce heat just like other electronics.

• Close drapes and blinds during day. Consider using insulated drapes or black out curtains. They can keep heat out in summer, and in during winter.

• Open windows at night to let in breeze.

• Look for cheap ceiling fans - they use a fraction of the electricity that air conditioners do.

• How to keep cool for little money: make use of hand held fans. You'll find inexpensive battery operated fans available in many dollar stores, or on sites like Amazon, or buy an old-fashioned paper fan.

• If you have an attic fan, use it. Leave your attic hatch open at night, so hot air will rise into the roof.

• Run your furnace fan. Check your owner's manual to see if your furnace will blow cool air as well as heat.

• Don't use your oven - barbecue outside - or eat cold foods like salads

• Take cool or tepid (not hot or too cold) showers. Or just stick your feet in a cooling footbath.

• Turn off unnecessary lights (or make sure you use CFL bulbs - they give off less heat than incandescent bulbs)

• Do your laundry at night (you'll save on electricity if you're on a time of use meter), and don't use your dryer - line dry your clothes.

• Don't use electronics like stereos, TV, etc. Unplug any equipment you're not using.

• How to keep cool, and well hydrated: drink cold beverages (non-alcoholic). Make home made juice popsicles (cheaper than store bought).

How to Keep Cool at Night

• Don't do any strenuous physical activity just before bed.

• Try putting your pillow and blanket/sheet in the freezer (in a plastic bag) for an hour or so before bed.

• Try sleeping in a hammock (this lets air flow all around you). If your hammock is outside, evaluate the bug situation first.

• Take a cool bath or shower, and get into bed slightly damp. The evaporating water will make you feel cooler.

• Consider sleeping in the basement - or outside in a tent (or under the stars if it's safe, and not too buggy).

• Use cool pillowslike the Chillow - made especially for women experiencing hot flashes.

• Try a bed fan. Again, made for women experiencing hot flashes, it blows cool air under the covers.

• Sleep with a special cooling blanket. These special blankets absorb body heat while you sleep.

• Keep a damp, cold cloth on your forehead. Or wet a headband and try sleeping with it on.

• Go to bed with wet hair. Put a towel on your pillowcase.

• Use a buckwheat pillow - they don't heat up like standard pillows.

How to Keep Cool for Free

• Free cooling ideas: Ice your pulse points (neck, wrists, knees), with an icepack, icecubes in a tea-towel, or just run your wrists under the cold tap.

• Keep a cool neck with a damp bandana or necktie.

• Take a cool bath, and stand in front of a fan to dry off.

• Dampen your clothing with cool water.

• Go to a public place like a mall, or library that has air conditioning.

• Take it easy. Avoid moving around too much. Read a book and enjoy a cold drink.

• Don't over-eat. Your temperature will rise if you spend too much energy on digesting.

• Sleep in your basement. If you live in a basement apartment, you'll already know that a semi-underground bedroom can be significantly cooler than upstairs, (or outside).

• How to keep cool and remain fashionable: wear cotton - it absorbs perspiration better than synthetics, and makes you feel cooler.

• Keep a cloth in a plastic bag in the freezer. Take it with you when you go out, and use it when you feel like you're starting to melt.

• Put your pillow or sheet in a plastic bag in the fridge. You'll stay cool long enough to fall asleep.

• Keep a spray bottle filled with water in your fridge. Spray your face and neck when you feel overheated.

How to Save on Air Conditioning Costs

• Use a programmable thermostat.
• Raise the temperature at which the air conditioner comes on.
• Turn off the air conditioner when no one's home.
• Only turn on the air conditioner when you're really uncomfortable.
• Make sure your central air conditioner is serviced regularly, and that the filters are changed.
• Cover AC vents in rooms that aren't in use.

How do YOU Stay Cool?

Are you a whiz at staying cool when it's scorching outside? Share your tips.