Fun Ways to Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank
Don’t let summer in the Pacific Northwest be a bummer! There are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank. Whether you’re enjoying the cool comforts of a well-functioning HVAC system indoors or taking advantage of community resources you might not know about, this list is for you. These summer cooling tips will help you make the most of the season.
Affordable Cooling Ideas
Discover cost-effective ways to stay cool this summer without breaking the bank. These affordable cooling ideas will help you beat the heat while saving money.
DIY Ice-Cold Drinks
What better way to beat the heat than with an ice-cold beverage you can make at home? There are so many great options depending on your favorite tastes and flavors. Some of our favorites include:
Homemade Lemonade: With some fresh-squeezed lemons, a bit of sugar, and filtered water, you can make delicious homemade lemonade! We recommend adding a few mint leaves for a flavorful twist.
Infused Water: Slice up some of your favorite fruits and veggies, such as strawberries, cucumber, or mint. Then add them to a pitcher of cold water. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours and you’ll have yourself a better version of regular water!
Iced Coffee and Tea: Need an extra caffeine kick with your iced beverages? Brew your favorite coffee or tea and stick it in the fridge to cool. When you’re ready to drink it, pour over ice with a splash of milk and some sweetener.
Homemade Popsicles: Blend a mix of fruity, yogurt, and honey until you have a smoothie texture. Pour that into popsicle molds and leave overnight for healthy and delicious homemade popsicles all week long.
Backyard Splash Pad:
If you have some extra grass space in your backyard, you can set up DIY cooling solutions and summer activities at home. Create a backyard splash pad with a tarp, a hose, and a sprinkler attachment. It’s a great way to get the kids outside when it’s hot out, and all it takes is a few simple steps.
Lay your tarp on the grass
Cover it in tear-free soap
Spray the tarp until it gets nice and slippery
Take a running start!
If you want to take it a step further than your regular splash pad, try out some of these fun summer water activities:
Water Balloon Toss: Purchase a water balloon kit on Amazon for a backyard water balloon war. Or get the whole neighborhood involved in a wet and wild brawl!
Sprinkler Limbo: Do the limbo and avoid getting wet! Have someone hold the hose with the water pouring out straight, and do the limbo underneath. When you get splashed, you’re out!
Slip-N-Slide: The Slip-N-Slide is the original summer backyard party activity! Buy one online or make your own.
Of course, safety should always be a priority with backyard water activities. Ensure the yard is free of sticks and rocks and have constant parental supervision, especially for young ones.
Evening Outdoor Movie Nights
Bring the movie screen to your backyard for a stay-at-home summer movie night experience!
Find a place in your backyard that’s level enough to set up both your projector and your screen. Make sure also have enough room for seating. All you’ll need is a standard projector, a screen, a laptop, a Bluetooth speaker, and some comfortable chairs for some serious backyard summer fun.
Make sure to keep the snacks and drinks flowing as well! You could certainly go for a classic popcorn concession stand for snacks. But, how about grilling burgers or hot dogs? Or making a five-layer dip, or getting a family-sized mixed bag of your family’s favorite candies!
Searching for the perfect family-friendly movie for your summer movie night? Try our recs:
The Sandlot
The Goonies
E.T.
Toy Story
The Parent Trap
Finding Nemo
Moana
The Importance of an Efficient HVAC System
Staying cool in your house this summer means having an efficient HVAC system. A well-functioning HVAC system will keep you and your family cool all summer long. A proper functioning system will provide a break from the heat, It will also circulate clean and filtered air to reduce pollutants and allergens in the home.
As an added benefit, when your HVAC system is running smoothly, it reduces the need for excess energy use. This will save you money and lessen your environmental impact.
To keep your HVAC system in prime condition, make sure to schedule routine maintenance with your local HVAC technician. This includes ductwork inspections, filter cleaning and replacement, and electrical component checks.
Additional Creative home cooling hacks
If you don’t want to keep your A/C running all day, but want to keep cool, here are some alternative cooling ideas to try:
DIY Fans: Make your own pseudo air conditioner with a fan and some ice! Place a bowl of ice in front of a standing fan so it blows the cool air from the melting ice to wherever you’re sitting.
Cool Your Bed: Freeze a hot water bottle and place it in your bed before you go to sleep or use cooling gel pads under your bed to keep cool all night.
Indoor Forts: Build a pillow and blanket fort for the kiddos and place a fan nearby to keep them cool.
Ice Pack Neck Wraps: Moving around throughout the day? Wet a washcloth, freeze it, and wrap it around your neck for instant heat relief! If you don’t like the DIY approach, you can also purchase pre-made gel packs and wrap them in a soft cloth for a longer-lasting cool.
To further cool your home without drastically increasing your electric bill, consider these ideas:
Use ceiling fans to circulate air more efficiently.
Install blackout curtains can help block out heat during the hottest parts of the day, reducing the need for constant air conditioning.
Cook outdoors on a grill instead of using the stove can keep indoor temperatures lower.
By incorporating these practices, you can enjoy a cooler home while managing your energy costs and maintaining a more affordable electric bill.
Smart Thermostat Settings
Have you been using your thermostat optimally?
The best summer thermostat setting when you’re at home is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend turning it off completely when you’re away. If you don’t have one already, we recommend installing a programmable thermostat to monitor your home’s temperature when you’re away.
Community Resources and Activities
Have you explored the local community for creative ways to stay cool this summer?
Check if there are any community pools, splash pads, or parks that you and the family can visit. This will allow you to get out of the house while keeping cool and having fun. Alternatively, you can look for evening events like festivals, concerts, or markets. These options will allow you to take advantage of getting out of the house once the sun goes down.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of unique ways to beat the heat this summer without breaking the bank. From homemade lemonade to evening concerts, we urge you to try it all! Of course, don’t undervalue the importance of a well-maintained HVAC system to stay comfortable when the heat hits this summer.
When you're ready to boost your savings and energy efficiency, reach out to us at Miller's Heating and Air. We are ready to send an HVAC technician for an energy audit!
We are located in Vancouver, Washington and service the areas of Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Washougal, Troutdale, Portland and Vancouver.
