Keeping your home cool during the summer can sometimes be tricky and even stressful. The cost of running the air conditioner or having multiple fans can send your utility bills through the roof, leaving you overwhelmed, stressed, and most likely, hot. While you may be thinking that the A/C is your only way out of a sweltering hot summer, there are multiple ways to cool your dorm or home and help to save money along the way.
Are the rising temperatures of the summer leaving you hot and sweaty while at home? Looking for ways to make your place cool and comfortable? Check out these five ways to keep your dorm or home cool for this summer!
Keep Sunlight Out
You ever notice when you have your windows or blinds open on a hot day and the stream of light that comes through your window makes a spot on your floor really hot? Light equals heat energy, which will raise the temperature of your dorm/home. During the summer months and particularly on super hot days, close your curtains or lower your blinds to keep sunlight out. The more you are able to do this, the less your air conditioning system will have to work and the cooler your place will be!
Maximize Air Circulation
Another simple and cost-free way to cool your home this summer is to maximize the air circulation throughout your place. This is important because the more the air is able to spread around and circulate, the cooler your place will be. If you are able to, keep doors open, such as your bathroom or bedroom door, to help with this. Ron Leshnower of The Spruce writes, “Avoid placing a couch, dresser, or other large pieces of furniture directly in front of or to the side of an air-conditioning unit. Make sure any units in your home have enough space to send cool air forward and sideways, ideally at least to a 45-degree angle.”
Change Your Sheets
During the cold and chilly winter months, we do everything we can to preserve the heat inside our homes and keep the warm air from escaping. Bringing out the fleece sheets and flannel blankets helps you to stay cozy and comfortable during the winter, but they end up being your enemy during the summer months. As the heat starts to intensify, pack away your seasonal bedding and get either cotton or linen sheets to last you through the summer. Cotton and linen are more breathable and light, making you cooler during the day and all night long.
Take Advantage of Your Fan
Fans are an absolute godsend during the summer, so if you’re dealing with a stuffy dorm/home, utilize your fans as much as you can! For instance, if you have a ceiling fan, be sure to set it on the right setting for the summer. What do I mean by this? There are specific settings on your fan to either prevent heat from escaping or help cool down your space. Check on your fan and be sure to switch the setting and change the direction of the blades to help keep your dorm/home comfortable. Additionally, a desk or clip fan is great to have right by your bed while you sleep for that extra breeze.
Focus on Yourself
One last option when you’re trying to keep your home cool is to simply focus on yourself! Part of what makes our body temperatures rise is the small, yet important, choices we make every day. To help with this, be smart about your clothing choices, and wear breathable, light clothes. Additionally, drinking ice cold drinks, staying hydrated, and taking cooler showers when you wake up/before you go to bed can keep you comfortable! Samantha Toscano and Suzy Strutner of Huffington Post also note, “try keeping a bowl of cool water by your bed and dipping your feet if you feel warm in the middle of the night.”
Staying cool during the summer months can be a hassle, especially if you’re trying to stay on a budget. However, there are several small ways to combat the heat, such as keeping out excessive sunlight, maximizing air circulation, changing sheets, utilizing fans, and focusing on yourself. Follow some or all of the above tips and I guarantee your place will stay comfortable for the rest of the summer!