How to Cool Down During the Summer
Step 1: Embrace the heat. Unless you live in the Lut Desert in Iran, which once reached 157 degrees (the hottest land temperature ever recorded), try to refrain from running your air conditioner twenty-four hours a day. If you’re wearing a sweater inside in July (and you live in the Northern Hemisphere), you’re paying too much for your cooling bill.
Step 2: Be smart. Pull your shades down to block the sun, open your windows when the breeze is cool, and avoid using any heat-generating appliances (your oven, dishwasher, and dryer) until after the sun sets.
Step 3: Plant a tree. The branches will not only provide natural shade for your house, but also for your yard. Hang a hammock, enjoy the breeze, and have a lemonade.
More Nifty Tips
- If you’ve got big gaps around your doors and windows, add insulation before caulking. You can even use scraps from your rag bag, like wool, corduroy, or any heavy material.
- To make your own draft stopper, measure the width of your door and add 10 inches. Cut a piece of material that length by 12 inches wide. Sew the long sides together, fill it with rice, beans, or sand, and tie off the ends with a ribbon.
- Install a cheaper-than-A/C ceiling fan to create a cool breeze in the summer. In the reverse direction, it’ll circulate warm air in the winter, too.
- Swap out your lightbulbs for Energy Star-approved bulbs. Each bulb will save you thirty dollars over the course of its lifetime.
- If you’re worried about being too hot, just remember: Animals sweat, men perspire, ladies glow. Let yourself glow, girl.