There’s no doubt that it gets hot during Florida summers and no matter how efficient your air conditioner is, it will inevitably cause your utility bills to spike. Fortunately, there are some other ways that you can stay cool that just might allow you to turn up the thermostat a few degrees or even turn your unit off altogether – at least for a little while.
Make Use of Your Fans
If there are ceiling fans in your home, use them! These are fabulous ways to keep the air circulating in your home to keep things from becoming stuffy. If you don’t have them, you can purchase standing fans, oscillating fans, or even traditional box-style fans to help cool you down. In some cases, and especially when it’s nicer outside, you can install dual fans in your windows; one removes the air from inside your home and the other brings in fresh air from outside. These can keep the climate within your home surprisingly cool.
Cool Your Head, Hands and Feet
These are the areas of your body that help you maintain a particular comfort level. This means that if your feet are cold, the rest of your body is likely to feel cold, as well. In the summer, soak your feet in an ice bath for a few minutes at a time, wrap a cold and wet towel around your neck, and keep that cold beverage in your hands rather than on the coffee table. All of these things will help you feel cooler even when it is sweltering outside.
Close the Drapes
The sunshine might be beautiful, but not even the best insulated windows can stop the laws of thermodynamics when you leave your drapes open. Instead of letting the sun shine directly in through your windows, keep the drapes closed during the warmest part of the day. Something else to consider are the drapes with the reflective backing that actually work to keep the heat outside where it belongs. These are relatively affordable and they can go a long way to help you keep your utility bills down.
Stay Hydrated
Believe it or not, even very mild dehydration can leave you feeling hot, irritable, fatigued, and just plain crummy. Be sure that you drink your eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. The best way to make sure that you’re consuming enough is to fill a 64-ounce pitcher and put it in the refrigerator. For an extra treat, you can add lemon, oranges, limes, or even a bit of cucumber and mint. Remember to drink more if it’s particularly hot or if you’ll be spending time outdoors in the heat. You can quickly become dehydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Of course, there will be times when you won’t be able to avoid turning on the air conditioner. After all, sticky heat can be miserable and you’ll want to retreat to the comfort of your cool home. However, by following the tips listed here, you might be able to keep the thermostat set a little higher and save some money at the same time.
