Is it Hot in Here or Is it Just Me?

I'm a cougar who enjoys the temperate climate of the West Coast of British Columbia.  I like things cool.  As a Frugal Cougar, I don't own an air conditioning - fully aware of how their high up-front cost and how much electricity they use.

So, let's look at frugal ways to keep your home cool in the hot days of summer.

First things first.  The Sun.  Good old Sol, the center of our star system.  That's where all our heat comes from (ultimately).  To keep your home cool in the summer, keep our friend, the Sun, OUT!

This can be accomplished a number of ways:

Outside the house - plant foliage trees (or if choosing a new home to move to - chose a home with ample foliage on the south side).  Leafy, green trees block much of the sun as the verdant branches filter it out.  In addition to helping keep the home cool - it's relaxing to look at and, generally, good for the air quality around your home.

In addition (or instead, in case trees are somehow out of the question) - try an awning, a shelter or patio umbrella.  Like the trees - these can be effective sunblocks so that the Sun's rays don't heat up your living room.

Inside the house - use your drapes and/or hanging, leafy, green houseplants.  Use the macrame plant hangers that your grandma used to make or hang planters from hooks above the windows.  The drapes should be thick enough to block light (get the "blackout drapes" as they will keep heat/light out during the summer days and, in winter, they will help keep the cold out and the heat in during the night).  In summer months - keep them closed to keep the blazing sun out.

If you are not going to be at home anyway - some cheapskate sites suggest using high density insulation foam.  Cut some of this (available at hardware stores) into a size that fits a window.  Place it there during the day (when you're not at home) and this will keep the light and heat out - helping to keep the place cooler.

Now that we have the Sun under control (or as much control as mere mortals can have over the Sun) let's move on to other sources of heat...

Most frugal kitties out there will already use high effeciency/low heat light bulbs.  Some lamps still use heat producing incandescent bulbs.  Keep these turned off unless really needed (i.e. for reading). 

Other sources of electric heat are electronics.  Computers, DVD Players, Televisions, Video Game Consoles, Smart Phones, Tablet Computers, Laptops - when plugged in - they all produce heat (and waste electricity).  Once charged - unplug.  When not in use - unplug.  Feel the back of the computer that you are reading this on - warm eh?  Keep these electronics cold when not in use. 

In the hot summer - try cooking outdoors.  Use the BBQ for grilling/roasting.  Take the toaster oven outside onto your balcony or patio - as long as there is an outlet for it - it works out there.  Same with the slow cooker (crock pot).  If you have a hot plate (i.e. a portable stove element) - take that outside too.  Let the heat from these appliances join the heat from the Sun, let their combined heat frolic in the backyard, away from your indoor living space.

As a Frugal Cougar - I already only launder in cold water (for spot stains requiring hot water - I spot clean those and then use cold water wash).  No sense wasting hot water and heating up the house from a hot water wash.

Once those cold clothes are clean, go visit our friend, the Sun, outside.  Hang your damp laundry on a dryer rack (you can use the indoor one, just put it on the patio or balcony) or lay it over your patio furniture.  The hot sun will have those clothes dried in no time.  The dryer creates a lot of heat and uses a lot of electricity.  Let our buddy, the Sun, do the drying for free outside.

In the washrooms - run the fan on low.  This will suck up and vent out the hot air.  Turn on some floor fans when you are at home.  Circulating air is cooling.

Keep all interior doors (to bedrooms/dens) CLOSED, especially those on the south side of your home.   This helps keep the hot air (which comes through the windows/walls) out of the main living areas of your home.  In the cooler evening - you can retire to these rooms, even open a window (as long as the air is cooler outside than inside). 

If it is really getting hot in there, despite all the above tips - bring out the big guns.  Freeze water in old milk cartons/jugs, recycled pop bottles or recycled sour cream containers.  Place these water-filled, frozen containers in front of a blowing fan.  The air will pick up the cold and you can just relax in the chilled breeze.

Finally - when you are ready to go to bed - find the coolest place in your home.  I know folks who use their basements during the hottest days of the summer - like camping in their own home.  If you don't have a basement or need the sleep hygiene of being in your regular bed - close the bedroom door. Have a table or floor fan in your bedroom.  Grab another block of ice from the freezer and crack the window open to let the cool night air in.  Wear cotton jammies (or be like this Frugal Cougar and just sleep in panties and a cotton tank top).  You will get a good nights sleep and not have to endure so much summer heat.

Oh, one more thing - for my fellow cougars who are having hot flashes (or "power surges" as I like to call 'em) - use those camping ice packs in your bed.  Really.  I know a few cougars who have tried this and they all swear by it.  These packs can be picked up a Canadian Tire or even Dollar Stores. 

Happy Summer.  Til next time.