Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

Today is officially the first full day of summer, and it sure is hot here in New England. Here are a few frugal tips for staying cool when the mercury rises:

• Wear less clothing.
• Wear light colored, breathable, natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen.
• Remove your shoes when you go indoors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed during the heat of the day.
• If your house has multiple levels, spend most of your time on the lower levels, where the temperature is the coolest.
• Minimize the use of your oven by cooking outside on the grill or in a crock pot.
  
• Wait until after the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, dryer and other heat-producing appliances.
• Use a clothesline instead of the clothes dryer.
• Use ceiling fans to create a breeze and to recirculate air.
• Drink lots of ice cold beverages, especially water.
• Eat cold items, such as chilled fruit or frozen yogurt.
  
• Run the bathroom fan after you shower to pull the humidity out of the house.
• Trade in your hot shower for a cold one.
• Let your hair air dry and enjoy the cooling effect of wet hair while you wait for it to dry.
• Lighten up your bedding.
• If you have a pool, buy one of those chair floats that allow you to get wet. These really cool you off when you float around in them. If you don't have a pool, you can always set up a kiddie pool in the backyard and take a dip.
• Make sure all air vents are free of obstructions.
  
• Head to the mall to enjoy the free air conditioning there.

Thanks for stopping by!