Keeping Cool in the
Summer
By Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Summer can be a wonderful time. However, to some it may not be
as pleasant. Some people live in very hot climates, without the benefit of air
conditioning, and dread the coming of the heat.
There may be problems in the US this year because of the energy
crisis and expense of running air conditioners.. I personally lived in Arizona
without central air. It was miserable!
With that in mind, here are a few ideas to keep cooler this
summer.
*If you live in a dry climate, a swamp cooler, or evaporative
cooler will help. It doesn't cost as much to run as air conditioning.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work well when it gets humid.
These units usually sit on the top of your house. You can also
buy portable models (They are often erroneously labeled air conditioners) .
These units run air over water and then blow it out. It can be refreshing. When
you can't afford air conditioning, this is your best option.
You can get some of the effects of a swamp cooler by just
turning on the hose and running it back and forth outside your window. However,
it may waste water, another problem.
*Fans that circulate air are essential if it is very hot. Buy an
oscillating fan, or one that moves around so that you get the greatest amount of
air circulation possible. If it is very hot, you may just want to sit in front
of it and let it blow right on you. This is effective, but you must be careful
your eyes don't dry out. Either way, for the best results, buy a large fan.
*If you have a basement, be prepared to use it. It is usually 10
degrees cooler than the rest of the house. Have something to do down there.
*Do not cook in your home or do anything that creates heat. Once
you put heat in your home, it is hard to get rid of. Make sandwiches, buy
something, or use the barbecue. Take your crockpot outside and plug it in to an
outside circuit if you have a safe place to put it.
Keep lights off, and any thing else that creates heat. Anything
that plugs in may be generating heat keeping on various systems in the unit. Do
the "touch test" around your home. Anything that feels warm, unplug it.
*Drink plenty of water. Eat Popsicles and other cool items. Be
careful about drinking anything too cold. It will be too much of a shock for
your body.
*Water will cool you off. Many people keep a small pool outside
for the kids, let them run through the sprinklers, or just hose themselves off
when they get hot. It works for adults also!
*Wear clothes that breathe. Cotton is wonderful. Do not wear
anything synthetic. Keep your shoes off, and tie your hair up.
*Leave your home during the hottest part of the day. Go
shopping, or visit a building that is air conditioned. If you have shade
outside, sit outside and just rest. If it is very hot, you won't have the energy
to do much else. Don't beat yourself up because you aren't accomplishing
anything. When it is hot, your body is lethargic. Don't push it.
*If it just doesn't cool off at night, think about sleeping in a
hammock. When it is VERY hot, a bed can feel like sleeping on a grill. In many
parts of the world, the only way people can sleep at night is in a hammock
outside.
*When you consider home improvement, consider installing fans
and air vents in your attic. A well insulated attic with good air flow will keep
the temperature lower in the whole house. A ceiling fan will keep cooled air
down low where you need it.
*A well placed deciduous tree will provide shade and lower the
temperature in your home. It will drop it's leaves in winter, and let the sun
in.