Alternatives to Air Conditioning

Using air conditioning in your home can cost you up to 30 percent or more on your electric bill. Choosing to use an air conditioner is a choice you will make to spend more when that bill comes in. It is certainly not a necessity; it is a luxury. You can survive the heat and humidity of summer without air conditioning!

One of the most obvious alternatives to air conditioning is fans. Fans will use up much less electricity than an air conditioner, and keep a nice breeze blowing throughout your home. I recommend shopping for fans during the fall, or last few weeks of summer. Stores need to rid them for fall items, so they will be marked down. You are sure to get a great deal! Go for a medium sized fan for your downstairs area, and smaller fans for each bedroom. Turn on the bedroom fans when you go to bed.

Make paper fans! I just did this with my kids. It’s fun and easy. You should use sturdy paper, such as poster board or cardboard, but construction paper will do. We all made fans for ourselves, and they work great for cooling you off. Plus, it doesn’t add anything to your electric bill!

Sweating is probably the most irritating part of summer heat. I keep a clean rag next to me to wipe the sweat off, and run my hands under cold water every so often.

Ice packs work tremendously well, too. If you sit for most of the day, simply place an ice pack on your chair and let it rest on your lower back. This will help cool down your body temperature.

Snacks and drinks for summertime heat: popsicles, ice cubes, and cold drinks will all help keep your body temperature down, as well as keep you hydrated.

Portable swimming pools seem to be popping up in stores in a wide variety of sizes, and they aren’t just for the kids anymore! If you can get one, go out and invest in a portable swimming pool. You and/or your kids can relax in some soothing, cool water.

Use less heat! Appliances such as your oven, dishwasher, lamps, and even your television set create heat. Use them only when you absolutely have to. When you need to clean or exercise, do so in small increments so you don’t get overheated.