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Tips for Staying Cool Without an Air Conditioner
Sometimes, the summer heat can be quite unbearable. And if you’re hoping to rely on your central air conditioner less this season, you might be looking for some simple ways to keep cool at a fraction of the cost; here’s how to do that:
How to Stay Cool for Less
Close the Blinds
Like most homeowners, you may feel inclined to open up the blinds on a bright, sunny summer day. And while doing so may help illuminate the room, there’s a chance those powerful rays are also heating the space more than you realize. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows turns into heat and raises your humble abode's temperature.
To defeat the summer sun's heat and keep your room as cool as possible, consider keeping the blinds, curtains or other window treatments closed during the day. Doing this can help reduce heat gain and keep any room in your home comfortable (without needing to rely on your central air conditioner).
Use a Ceiling Fan
Believe it or not, ceiling fans cannot make a room colder. Instead, they help create a wind chill that will circulate the air and create a much more comfortable environment. With that in mind, make sure that the blades on your ceiling fan rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Doing this will help make the room much more tolerable (temperature-wise) and will eliminate the need to adjust your thermostat.
Drink Plenty of Water and Eat H2O-Rich Foods
One of the best ways to beat the heat is to stay hydrated, which can be done by drinking plenty of water and consuming H2O-rich foods (such as watermelon and salads). This is vital because when you sweat (your body’s way of keeping you cool), you lose body fluid — and if not replenished, it could lead to dehydration.
Consider keeping track of the amount of water you consume in a day. And if you’re feeling hungry, opt for foods (mentioned above) that are rich in water and less in sugar.
