Beat the Summer Heat

Cool It: 6 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat (On a Budget)

Though 91% of American homes have air conditioning, if your unit breaks or you want to save money during the summer, you may need to find alternative ways to keep cool. 

However, you’re in luck! There are plenty of cheap and easy ways to help you stay cool without breaking the bank when enduring the summer heat.

If you’re trying to stay cool during a summer heatwave? Keep reading to learn some of the best tips and tricks to help you stay comfortable on hot days.

1. Watch What You Eat

Who doesn’t love a great burger, hot wings, or mashed potatoes and gravy? Though these meals are delicious, they can make you feel warm and uncomfortable.

When you eat foods higher in fat, your body has to work extra hard in order to break down and digest the meal. This causes your body temperature to rise, meaning you’ll sweat more. 

Similarly, avoiding spicy foods is crucial. Though you might love buffalo sauce or sriracha, keeping these sauces out of your meals will keep your body’s temperature low, ensuring you feel cooler.

Instead, choosing lighter foods can help keep you comfortable during a summer heatwave. Foods like salads, fish, and sandwich wraps are a great way to satiate your hunger without feeling sweaty and bloated afterward. 

Don’t worry; you’ll be able to eat your favorite comfort meals once the temperature drops.

2. Stay Hydrated

Much like eating the right foods, keeping yourself well-hydrated is essential to staying cool during the warm weather. 

When your body is warm, it produces sweat in order to help reduce your body temperature. Though perspiration can be annoying and frustrating, it’s a crucial way to keep yourself safe.

As sweat sits on your skin, it evaporates into the air, removing the moisture and excessive heat in the process.

Sweat reduces your body’s water supply, so ensuring you replenish your body with water frequently will help you stay cold. Similarly, it will also help keep you safe from heat stroke, which can occur when your body is no longer able to produce sweat to cool you down.

3. Fix Your AC

Though it may seem counterintuitive to spend money to use your air conditioning system, it can save you money in the long run. 

If your air conditioning unit or system isn’t working properly, it can force you to crank it up. However, as you increase the power, you’ll waste more electricity, and, subsequently, money. 

However, finding a local AC repair service to remedy the issue can help your unit run more efficiently. Whether your unit is leaking or blowing a musty smell into your home, hiring a professional to service your unit is a crucial way to save money and enjoy the cool air. 

4. Upgrade Your Windows

When trying to beat the heat, your windows could be crucial in reducing your home’s temperature.

To begin, you’ll want to ensure that your windows are insulated well, as this helps keep the cool air in your home, rather than letting it escape through drafty window frames. Adding weatherstripping around your windows is another great way to reduce heat in your home.

Next, you may consider energy-efficient windows if your current installation is less than stellar. Opting for windows that improve your energy usage is a great option, as they help reduce heat caused by the sun’s rays in your home, thus keeping you cool.

However, you can also simply install light-blocking blinds to help reduce the heat from entering your home. These are also great for those who want to keep their room dark to sleep better

5. Take Advantage of Free AC

If you’re tired of laying around in the heat, bored out of your mind, you can reap the best of both worlds by taking advantage of locations with free air conditioning and indoor cooling systems.

One of the best places to hang out during the summer is your local public library. Not only will it be cool and dark, but you can also utilize the free wifi for your devices or simply sit down with a good book!

You can also go to your local mall, as these locations have cool environments that you can enjoy while you catch up on shopping or walk around. You can also head to local stores and spend a few hours wandering the aisles if you don’t have a mall near you.

6. Create Cold Compresses

Finally, one of the best ways to beat the heat at home is to utilize cold compresses to help you instantly feel colder. You should make a few of these, as you’ll need to place them on multiple areas of your body.

There are a few different ways to make compresses. One of the most popular and immediate methods is to place ice cubes in a plastic baggy and wrap them in a thin kitchen towel. However, you can also wet a towel and place it in the freezer, as this will allow a more malleable and shapable option.

Once you have your cold compress, you’ll want to know where to place them. Putting them on the back of your neck, inner wrists, chest, feet, and temples can help you feel cooler in an instant.

Summer Heat Hacks to Keep You Cool

Though it may seem like the only way to cool off is to jump in a freezing pool, these hacks can help you stay comfortable during the next summer heatwave.

Are you ready to enjoy your vacation thanks to these summer heat hacks? If so, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website for more great lifestyle tips and tricks to help you stay comfortable.

Anything to Add? Leave a Comment!