Trying to stay comfortable during the height of summer can really inflate your energy costs. Depending on your location, home size and how hot it gets, you might be paying anywhere from $100 to $500 a month to run an air conditioner.
If rising cooling bills worry you (or if you don’t have AC), don’t panic. We found numerous strategies to stay refreshed without draining your savings.
Why Extreme Heat Is Hazardous
Noticing the temperature climbing? Extreme heat refers to prolonged stretches of weather above 90 degrees. High humidity makes sultry heat waves even more dangerous for seniors, children and people with conditions like heart disease.
Per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, extreme heat causes more fatalities each year than any other weather-related threat. Be familiar with signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Very high body temperature (over 103 degrees)
- Hot, red, or flushed skin
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness or confusion
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Paleness and weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
If you feel unwell or suspect heat illness, get medical help right away. Move into shade and cool down while waiting for assistance. If you suspect heat stroke, avoid giving drinks—especially alcoholic ones—until professionals can evaluate the situation.
7 Free (or Low-Cost) Ways to Cool Off
- Locate a community cooling center.
- Take a dip in a pool.
- Relax in an air-conditioned mall.
- Housesit during hot spells.
- Catch a movie.
- Visit the library or a museum.
- Spend time at a coffee shop.
1. Locate a Community Cooling Center
Cooling centers around the country give people access to air-conditioned spaces during heat events. Many centers are pet-friendly as well.
Visit the National Center for Healthy Housing to find a cooling center in your area or dial 2-1-1 in most states to be connected with local heat relief services.
2. Take a Dip
There’s nothing quite like plunging into cold water to ease a sweltering afternoon. Check your city or county website for free or reduced-price community pools, splash pads or water parks.
You can also head to a lake or beach at a nearby state park to cool off—just confirm it’s safe and permitted for swimming. If you’ll be outdoors, go early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Protect your skin with loose, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and a good sunscreen.
3. Relax in the Mall
You don’t need to be a frequent mall visitor to enjoy the benefits of expansive indoor air conditioning and prime people-watching. There’s likely an indoor mall nearby where you can sit back and even use free Wi-Fi.
4. Housesit During Hot Spells
Hesitant to crank up the AC at your place? Make someone else’s home your temporary cool retreat instead.
Housesitting can be a handy way to earn a bit of extra money while keeping cool this summer.
5. Catch a Movie
Going to the movies isn’t free, but matinee tickets are often inexpensive. Stretch out your time in cool, dim theaters by arriving early and staying through the credits.
6. Visit the Library or a Museum
Libraries are excellent community hubs to escape the heat and enjoy free Wi-Fi. You may also be able to borrow a variety of items, from board games to craft supplies.
If you live near a city, there’s likely an air-conditioned museum offering free or reduced admission days in summer.
7. Sit in a Coffee Shop
While a steaming cup might not seem ideal for a hot day, coffee shops serve cold beverages too.
Sipping an iced drink while catching up on emails or diving into a good book is an enjoyable—and generally affordable—way to stay cool.
8. Keep Hydrated
Whether you ride out the next heat wave at home or cool off elsewhere, drink plenty of fluids. It’s wise to avoid vigorous activity outdoors during extreme heat and to wear airy, lightweight clothes.
Also remember that if your home feels warm to you, it’s likely worse for your pets. Ensure they have ample water, shade and access to a cool indoor spot if possible.
How to Stay Cooler at Home
Want to keep temperatures down this summer? Weatherize your house. Proper insulation and weather stripping on doors and windows help the energy you use go further.
Keep curtains and blinds shut during the hottest hours and consider adding window heat reflectors. And don’t depend on fans as your main cooling solution—fans move air but don’t significantly lower room temperatures.
Jordan Miles is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering saving strategies and budgeting. As a reporter, Jordan has covered a wide range of topics including finance, health, politics, education and technology for the past decade.
