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Keeping Cool in the Summer by Nikki Willhite Summer can be a wonderful time. However, to some it may not be as pleasant. Some people live in very hot climates, without the benefit of air conditioning, and dread the coming of the heat. There may be problems in the US this year because of the energy crisis and expense of running air conditioners.. I personally lived in Arizona without central air. It was miserable. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to keep cooler this summer. - If you live in a dry climate, a swamp cooler, or evaporative cooler will help. It doesn't cost as much to run as air conditioning. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well when it gets humid. These units usually sit on the top of your house. You can also buy portable models (They are often erroneously labeled air conditioners) . These units run air over water and then blow it out. It can be refreshing. When you can't afford air conditioning, this is your best option. You can get some of the effects of a swamp cooler by just turning on the hose and running it back and forth outside your window. However, it may waste water. - Fans that circulate air are essential if it is very hot. Buy an oscillating fan, or one that moves around so that you get the greatest amount of air circulation possible. If it is very hot, you may just want to sit in front of it and let it blow right on you. This is effective, but you must be careful your eyes don't dry out. Either way, for the best results, buy a large fan. - Stop the sun from heating up your house by keeping your drapes closed.  Some people also put blankets over their windows.  - If you have a basement, be prepared to use it. It is usually 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the house. Have something to do down there. - Do not cook in your home or do anything that creates heat. Once you put heat in your home, it is hard to get rid of. Make sandwiches, buy something, or use the barbecue. Take your slow cooker outside or barbeque. - Keep lights off, and any thing else that creates heat. Anything that plugs in may be generating heat keeping on various systems in the unit. Do the "touch test" around your home. Anything that feels warm, unplug it. - Drink plenty of water. Eat Popsicles and other cool items. Be careful about drinking anything too cold. It will be too much of a shock for your body. *Water will cool you off. Many people keep a small pool outside for the kids, let them run through the sprinklers, or just hose themselves off when they get hot. It works for adults also. - Wear clothes that breathe. Cotton is wonderful. Do not wear anything synthetic. Keep your shoes off, and tie your hair up. - Leave your home during the hottest part of the day. Go to the library, shopping, or visit a building that is air conditioned. If you have shade outside, sit outside and just rest. If it is very hot, you won't have the energy to do much else. Don't beat yourself up because you aren't accomplishing anything. When it is hot, your body is lethargic. Don't push it. - If it just doesn't cool off at night, think about sleeping in a hammock. When it is very hot, a bed can feel like sleeping on a grill. In many parts of the world, the only way people can sleep at night is in a hammock outside. - When you consider home improvement, consider installing fans and air vents in your attic. A well insulated attic with good air flow will keep the temperature lower in the whole house. A ceiling fan will keep cooled air down low where you need it.  Light colored roofs reflect more heat. - A well placed deciduous tree will provide shade and lower the temperature in your home. About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!  Article first published at www.allthingsfrugal.com

 

 

 

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