Keeping a lid on your bills this summer - and not a panama hat in sight

Is it possible to keep cool at home in a heatwave without spending money?

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long it is nice to be able to escape the heat.

Air conditioning is expensive to install and costly to run.  Air conditioning is also not necessary to stay cool in your home when the temperature soars.  Follow the tips below to stay comfortable in a heatwave without spending a fortunate.

Keeping cool at home during the day - quick wins:

• Stay downstairs: warm air rises so it will be cooler on the ground floor.
• Close your curtains: keep your curtains closed throughout the day to help block the sun's heat.
• While you are closing those curtains also shut your windows to keep the warm air out.
• Don't use the oven for cooking.  Use the microwave or BBQ when cooking your meals.
• Better still, stick to cold meals.
• Switch off and unplug heat generating household appliances such as TVs and computers.
• Still hot?  A great fix - take a cold bath or shower.

Keeping cool at home during the day - investments that will keep you cool and save you money:

• Insulate your home. A home that has well insulated walls and loft will also keep the heat out in the summer.
• Prevent solar heating gain by fitting solar window film. Solar film reflects infrared radiation (the heat) contained in the sun's rays whilst allowing the sunlight in. Its also cheap and easy to install.
• Alternatively, you can prevent solar heating of your home by installing awnings.
• Replace heat generating incandescent light bulbs with cooler, and more efficient, fluorescent or LED lights.

Keeping cool at night

If the heat is preventing you from sleeping at night, try these fixes:

• Place your pillows in plastic bags and store in your freezer for an hour before bedtime.
• Keep your bedding in the coolest room in the house during the day.
• Use silk or satin pillowcases. These fabrics feel cooler against your skin.
• Open windows and inside doors at night to get rid of the warm daytime air and to allow in the cooler night-time air.
• Late sleeper?  You may need to get up to close the windows when the sun rises to enable you to sleep comfortably for longer.

Tips for coping in hot weather whilst out and about

• Try to keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm).
• The morning and evening are usually cool enough to enable you to do your errands or to exercise.
• Wear light coloured and loose fitting clothing.  Clothes that are made of natural fabrics such as cotton work best.
• Go to the shops! Most shopping centres are air-conditioned.  But try not to spend money.
• Sip cold drinks regularly. This does not work with alcohol though - sorry.

Hope these tip help.

David
http://www.house-saver.co.uk/