Staying Cool This Summer

Top Ten Ways to Stay Cool this summer without the Air Conditioner

Summertime is a great time of year for many reasons; the warm days, more light, the lively green plants. Though we enjoy warm days, we also like to stay cool from time to time. For many of us, that means we may have to crank on the air conditioner.  Of course, using an air conditioner has its drawbacks. It is very intensive in its energy use and is easy to let waste when someone forgets to close a window.  Air conditioners are expensive to use.  They also carry lots of repair costs at times. There are plenty of ways to stay cool without using an air conditioner.  If you plan ahead, you will save lots of money and energy and still be able to enjoy your summer comfortably.

1. Use an air gap in your garage. Garages are a place where heat is known to collect in the summer. Try closing your garage door but leaving a small gap between the garage door and the floor to let in some ventilation. Usually about six inches should do the trick.
2. Turn off computers, TVs, and other electronics that create heat when not used. We all know that leaving a computer or TV on when not in use is a waste of electricity. It also creates heat which can raise the temperature of a space quickly. Instead of putting the device in sleep mode, shut it completely off. No heat will be produced when it is off and the device itself will be safe.
3. Use better window coverings. Windows in the west and southern parts of homes tend to heat up the home fast in the later parts of the day. Using blackout blinds or curtains can help curb this problem easily. If you can’t change the coverings. Then try using a reflective energy blanket between the windows and coverings. They work very well and are easy to use.
4. Use your windows at night. In most climates, the temperature difference between day and night is enough that you can leave windows open overnight long enough to feel cool and comfortable naturally. It works especially well with a good breeze. Be sure to use a screen so you have a barrier for bugs and other things that go bump in the night.
5. Consume colder foods and drinks. Ever notice how chilly you feel after having a Popsicle? This works well in summer to keep you comfortable. Have some cold smoothies, frozen yogurts, and much more. This is also a great way to get your water intake when you have ice water.
6. Swim. Water absorbs heat much slower than air. When you come out of the pool or ocean, don't you sometimes feel chilly? That's a demonstration of that property in water. It is a great way to exercise and feel cool throughout the summer.
7.  Go to lower ground. Heat rises, so the lower you are in a building, the more comfortable you may feel. If you have a finished basement, spend more time there if you can.
8. Head to the hills. Going to higher elevations, such as in mountains is a great way to enjoy nature in the summer. It also gets cooler as you go higher. Be sure that you can handle the elevation change before you take off and take sunscreen since the air is thinner.
9. Fire up the grill. Cooking outside will take the heat out of the home. There are numerous things you can make on the grill from pizzas to kabobs and even some desserts. There are also a variety of outdoor cookers you can use as well.
10. Hold off on outdoor gardening and the do it yourself projects unless you are doing them early morning or late evening when the temperature has dropped. This will keep you from overheating and desiring a cold room to cool off it.

With these tips, it can be easy to have a great summer that is cool and comfortable. Be sure to be aware of what you and others need though. If there is a risk of heat exhaustion, then you may have to turn on an air conditioner. Always be safe in the heat. Being mindful of our habits can make it an enjoyable, and greener, summer for everyone.

Chris Keenan is a green and general blog writer. He writes for many sites including Precision Garage Door. Chris also maintains a personal blog at The Keenan Cookbook