Tips to Stay Cool Without Blasting the Air Conditioner

Beat the heat during hot temperatures

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

August 9, 2023

Hotter-than-average temperatures are forecasted during August and might stick around through October. Here are ways to stay cool and save money without blasting the air conditioner.

Shower Off
Taking a cold shower helps cool your body by lowering your core temperature. For an additional chill blast, add peppermint soap. Menthol in peppermint oil activates brain receptors, signaling your body the sensation of something feeling cold.

Swap Sheets
Use lighter, breathable bed sheets like linen or cotton. They should help you sleep more comfortably and avoid that sticky feeling during those hot nights. Percale cotton, in particular, should feel chilly and crisp and gets softer with every wash.

Close Curtains
If you have windows that face the sun’s direction during daylight, close curtains, shades, or blinds to keep the sun from coming into your home and warming the inside. And close the doors of any rooms that are unused at the time. This will help keep the cool air confined to only occupied areas of your home.

Apply a Frozen Pack
Place an ice pack, frozen veggie bag, or water bottle under your armpits or wrist area, or drape a cold washcloth to the back of your neck. These pulse points are areas where large blood vessels are close to the skin, so you should cool down more quickly.

Hydrate
Drinking water is an essential strategy for chilling down. Even mild dehydration can cause problems with body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Water-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery, are beneficial too.

Minimize Stove and Oven Use
Using your hot stove and oven will add heat to your home when it’s hot outside already. Consider cooking in the early morning or later evening when the temperatures should feel less icky. You can also focus on no-cook, fresh foods, such as salad bowls, cold soups like gazpacho, or sandwiches like prosciutto with mozzarella and sliced figs. Or try a slower cooker. It shouldn’t warm up your kitchen.

Place Ice in Front of a Fan
Place a shallow bowl of ice or ice packs in front of your fan. When ice melts slowly, chilled water vapor is released into the air. You should feel a refreshing breeze from the moving air.