You might be looking forward to the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, but you’re probably not looking forward to the energy bill you’re going to get at the end of it. Instead of dreading the inevitable, get prepped for summer with these tips to keep yourself cool and costs low.
Plan a Weather-Friendly Wardrobe
Some fabrics aren’t made for summer. While sweat-wicking synthetics might seem like a good call at first, what you exercise in might be more likely to make you sweat than not. Go for loose cotton and linen to keep the breeze flowing, and make sure you’re wearing light colors to reflect the sun’s rays, instead of absorbing them.
You can make sure you have summer clothing accessible if you keep your clothing sorted by seasons. This will also free up closet space. Make sure that your winter and fall clothing is neatly folded and put away in a closet or storage facility. Keep swimming trunks or bathing suits on hand for t hose trips to the pool. Sandals keep you cooler than socks and shoes.
Go for a Curtain Call
Not literally, but it might be time to pick up some climate control curtains. Keeping these drawn during the day will help shut out the sunlight. It’s a cheap way to keep a major heat source from sneaking in via the windows and heating up your house. At night, you can open your windows up and air the house out without baking. This is especially helpful if you have a wall that directly gets sunlight most of the day. You can cool your room quite a bit with proper curtains and shades.
Join Hydration Nation
While you should be hydrating every day of the year, it gets especially important during the summer. Keep an eye on your water intake and look up some fruit infusion options when you get bored. You can also break out the Otter Pops, or freeze your own icy treats to offer a burst of cool during a very hot day. A trip to the dollar store can get you ice trays if you don’t have an ice machine. It’s important to stay hydrated.
If It’s Broke, Fix It
What appliances of yours have been on the fritz? It might be a good time to take a look at your old AC and figure out what’s going on. While heating and air conditioning repair might be a big cost up front, you’ll see that money further down the line when that same machine is no longer wasting major amounts of energy.
Enter the Frozone
If your freezer’s running anyway, take advantage while still keeping the door shut. A frozen water bottle can make a good neck rest while you watch TV, or cool your bed down at night. Toss your pillowcase in the freezer for a few minutes to have a nice, all-over cool spot at night, or something to lean on that won’t get you sweating immediately during the day.
Beating the heat is the top priority on everyone’s list when summer rolls around, but with a little extra effort you can keep it from sweating out all your money. Whether you’re an early planner or a last minute planner, there’s a tip that can help you stay cool.
