10 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer and Save

If you're like me, you're not a big fan of the heat of the summer months. As much as I love the outdoors, I just hate sweating and feeling like I cannot breathe! With the economy struggling, many of us are looking for ways to cuts cost and keep comfortable with the forthcoming high temperatures! Here are some of the things that I like to do to keep cool and keep costs down without suffering!

1. Keep the air conditioning set on 78 degrees or higher! I know that still seems a bit sweltering for some of you, but when you're at home, put on a tank top and some shorts to try and keep cool in a house set at that temperature. You'll be surprised at the difference a few degrees will have on your utility bill each month!

2. Have a basement? Make it your summer haven! I love having a basement, because it always stays cool in those hot summer months! We watch TV down there and the kids play downstairs a lot during the summer. It's amazing the temperature difference between the floors in your house!

3. Don't use you stove or oven if at all possible! Turing on those appliances can be like lighting a fire in your house. I always dread coming home when my husband has decided to cook, because he always uses the stove and oven. It takes the temperature up in the summer months quite a bit, making your air conditioner have to work that much harder!

4. Eat cool! Hot food in your body will warm you up as well! Try to keep summer meals cool! Do salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruits and vegetables! Ice cream and Popsicles are also a nice hit during the summer!

5. Got watts? Take your high watt light bulbs out! Get some lower watt bulbs and replace them in the summer months. Not only is it more energy efficient, they aren't letting off as much heat, either!

6. Get a fan! Fan's are a great way to keep the air circulating in your home. I love the fact that my mom keeps a small one on her bathroom vanity while she is getting ready. There is nothing worse than being hot while you're trying to primp! Also, I keep a fan blowing on us at night when we sleep or when we watch TV. That way you feel cool but the thermostat is set a bit higher.

7. Program your thermostat! Are you out of the house all day at work? Get a programmable thermostat so that you can give the air conditioning a rest while you're gone! It also tends to be a bit cooler at night, so you might be able to open your windows at night and let the breeze lull you into a lovely sleep!

8. Hit the pool! Go to your local pool and have a great day with your family. It's naturally one of the best ways to have fun in the sun without boiling! Just don't forget your sunscreen!

9. Keep your drapes or blinds closed during peak hours! I know that it can dim your house, but if you have a window covering that blocks some of that harsh sun, it will also keep the house cooler!

10. Stay in the shade! Sitting under a nice tree alway makes a huge difference. Have you also noticed that it makes it feel a bit more breezy as well? So find a tree, grab a book and a blanket, and enjoy the cool wonder that is "shade"!