Withrecord temperaturesarriving each successive year, were being slowly cooked by the rays of the sun.
Meanwhile, energy is getting more expensive, andutility billsare jumping through the roof.
Awnings
When you dont have natural shade, then its time to make your own.
via famo.surlabreche.com
Apartment dwellers can just shade their windows using small personal awnings or towels propped up.
These create a slight buffer between the hot air outside, and the cooler air inside.
That alone is enough to buy you several degrees.
Roof Vents
Homes that have an attic are cursed.
As the upper reaches of the house get hot, they warm up everything.
By letting this air out, you reduce the heat bleed.
Even better, many now come with their own solar panel for power.
Using acool mist humidifier, you could keep pleasant wetness going all day long.
Avoid warm mist units or vaporizers, as theyll add to your problem.
For bonus points, add a little ice to the reservoir.
you could also hang a damp sheet over a window for the same basic effect.
For cooling a person, apply directly to the skin with a little water.
They kick off the pores creating a greater sense of cool and allowing more heat to escape your body.
The point of insulation is to keep a particular temperature locked down.
Cost free and great year-round.
Solar Screens
Thesedark shadesare inexpensive and can be applied to every window.
Window Tuning
Believe it or not, there was a time when no one had air conditioning.
During those dark ages, people learned to tune their windows thus creating airflow.
Learning to do this takes a little practice.
For more detail, we suggest usingLifehackers guide to cooling with windows.
That way, as the breeze blows across them, it cools down.
That drops the temperature and makes them all into miniaturizedswamp coolers.
Shut the Shades
A pretty simple concept, but one that most people dont realize.
If you have your windows open, keep any part covered that isnt absolutely necessary for airflow.
Windows cost you cold air as much as warm, so prevent the sun from gaining access.
Doing more outdoor grilling will help, as will only cooking when its cool out.
Make up potato salad or pasta in the morning so youre not firing up the burners in the afternoon.
Just be careful with burning charcoal or gas, as they can be environmentally unfriendly.
Go Dark
Every light bulb in your home produces heat as it keeps things bright inside.
Smart LED lights help, though the best answer is to learn to work with less illumination.
For rooms with multiple lights, consider taking out all but the bare necessities while its warm.
Light colorsreflect heatso it cant get trapped inside.
Especially if youre lazy when the sun shines.
Soda Bottle Air Conditioner
A relatively new idea, we can vouch for how well this works.
The principle is the same as if you blow through pursed lips.
The air is cool.
Heres simple instructions on how to build an energy-free soda bottle A/C, even if you arent handy.
