Chillin: Inexpensive Ways To Keep Cool This Summer

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

With the temperatures rising, it’s likely so is your electric bill, and with prices these days, keeping cool, may have you steaming.

But, now you can chill out without spending a dime

1. Go For The Cold: Reach for something healthy and cold from the fridge like frozen grapes, berries, bananas or homemade frozen yogurt, Popsicles or smoothies.

2. Get Behind Closed Windows and Doors: Keep shades, blinds, shutters, etc closed during the day to keep out the sunlight and open at night to let cool, fresh air in. Also, consider putting lighter-colored draped on windows that reflect light and help keep the house cool. Switch back again in cooler months to help retain heat.

3. Make Night Time The Right Time: Consider hosting parties and bbqs a bit later in the day when things cool off a bit. Barbequing also help keep the house cool because of the lack of need to turn on the oven or stove and raising the overall interior temperature.

4. Turn Off Energy Wasting Appliances: Rely on windows for (natural) light (until evening time) and don’t forget about shunting down computers, and/or switching to fluorescents bulbs, which tend to give off less energy.

5. Whet Your Appetite: Drink plenty or cold, water or some good ole’ H20 with a splash of cranberry or orange juice. Also make sure pet’s dishes are full and maybe even consider adding some ice cubes to keep it cool. Also, make sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol since they foster dehydration.

6. Make A Splash: If you’ve got one, open up the pool, let the sun heat the water up, and jump in (frequently) for a refreshing dip. Remember to limit water use where necessary such as watering the lawn and overusing sprinklers. For those without a pool, consider a midday bath or (cool) shower and/or let the kids run around with some water guns.

7. Head Indoors: Grab the family and hit a movie, the mall or somewhere public that’s bound to offer an air-conditioned environment for free.

8. Serve Up Something Cold: Consider refreshing, cold salads or chilled soups, ice cream, sorbet, etc. And, don’t forget some tasty, cold treats for your pet.

9. Let Loose: Instead of confining clothes, consider loose, lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. And, opt for light colors that reflect light and heat.

10. Take It To The Streets: If you’re and avid outdoorsperson or exerciser, make sure you do it early in the am or later in the evening when the sun isn’t as hot or intense. And, if you “are” out in the sun, make sure you use a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and drink plenty of water.