Ways to Naturally Cool

We have already talked about a few ways to reduce your energy bill; however, you can also save money by naturally cooling your home during the summer:

• Grow Boston ivy around your house and plant large trees to the south of your house to reduce sun exposure
• Catch a breeze through an open downstairs window and release it upstairs to create a cooling circulation
• Use heavy drapes and close them when you aren’t home to block the sun
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs; they are energy efficient and release 90% less energy in the form of heat than incandescent light bulbs (which are already illegal in some European countries due to their wasteful nature)

Alternative approaches include using silk or satin bed sheets, eating frozen fruits, or placing cold cucumber slices on your forehead. No matter what natural cooling strategy you prefer, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.