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Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank (or the Planet)!
Summertime and the living is easy…and hot. If you’re like me and haven’t quite figured out how to keep your apartment cool this summer, now’s the time!
Air conditioning can be expensive and a poor environmental choice. Your energy bills will increase, the air quality in your home will decrease without proper ventilation (exactly what you want when you’re keeping air conditioned air inside), brownouts in the neighbourhood become common as we all turn up our energy use, and there is a certain level of noise pollution when a machine is running in your home all the time.
There are ways to keep cool naturally and more affordably this summer.
1. Plant a tree
Creating shade is one of the easiest ways to keep the house cool. Planting trees to shade your house and painting the exterior a light colour helps. Condo owners: if you have a balcony, shield your sliding doors with potted plants! Blinds are also keys for your windows.
2. Reduce your use of appliances
It’s not a big surprise that your indoor appliances – like the oven, dishwasher, and washing machine – create heat. It’s time to fire up the outdoor BBQ!
3. Fans and ventilation
Move that air! Use your natural heat defence to your advantage. As sweat dries off your skin, it cools your body. Ceiling fans, oscillating fans, and open windows all help keep you feeling cool indoors.
4. Turn off the lights
These puppies also produce heat. By switching to fluorescent lights or turning off the lights, you’ll stay cooler and save on your electrical bill.
5. Personal adjustments
Keeping your body working optimally is a really effective way to beat the heat. Exercise daily, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, eat light and healthy foods, and wear light clothing.
Air conditioning is an option (and for some of us is necessary depending on our life situations), but there are other ways to enjoy a hot Canadian summer. I hope you’re enjoying yours!
