5 Low-Cost Ways to Keep Cool in a Heat Wave

By all accounts, we've been experiencing an awfully hot summer this year. Phoenix just went through a record 31 consecutive days of high temperatures above 110 degrees, and at various points during July, as much as one-third of the population was under a heat advisory, watch, or warning.

If you live in an area of the country known for warm temperatures during the summer months, you can't entirely avoid these heat waves as they barrel through. However, there are some minor changes you can make to maybe give yourself some relief -- and perhaps even ease some of the strain on your wallet as well.

1. Take cold showers

I know, I know -- everyone loves their long, luxurious bubble baths and warm showers. But if you've ever had the experience of jumping off a sunny dock into a cool lake, you know how refreshing it can be to undergo a quick temperature change. A cool or cold shower can help lower your core temperature, making you more comfortable as you go about your day.

If you can't bear the thought of an entirely cold shower, try starting and ending with a blast of cold water and holding a more moderate temperature in between, or turning off the water entirely while you lather up.

Not only will a cooler shower help you feel better, but it's also a win for your personal finances, since you'll be spending less on your energy bills by not heating up all that water.

2. Hang damp towels near stationary fans

If you have a box fan or oscillating fan on hand, it's a nice way to get some airflow moving through your home. But on its own, a fan doesn't actually cool the air; it just gets the air moving, which can feel cool (just like a fresh breeze outside).

You can amp up the effectiveness by hanging wet towels or sheets near a stationary fan. The water will evaporate from the cloth and help draw heat away from the air. Using fans wisely is a great way to cut down on your air conditioning bill, which your bank account will thank you for.

3. Place fans near open windows

If you own multiple fans, try setting them up to encourage a cross breeze through your home. Place one fan facing out of an open window, and in another room in the house, place another fan facing in from an open window (ideally on a cooler or shady side of your house).

This setup will help pull cooler air into your home, circulate it through, and push it out the open window on the warmer side of the house. If you have more than one story to cool, make sure the inflow is on the first floor and the outflow is on the second. It also helps to keep other windows in the home closed to encourage the air to follow the directed path, and to keep curtains and blinds closed to avoid extra heat from the sun leaking in.

4. Eat cooling foods

Certain foods are known to keep you cooler by helping your body regulate its temperature. A few examples to try working into your menu during a heat wave:

• Citrus fruit
• Cucumbers
• Lemon balm
• Lettuce
• Mint
• Mushrooms

And believe it or not, eating spicy food can actually be beneficial on hot days. The healthy sheen of sweat you'll develop while you eat will actually work to cool you down. Or try making healthy popsicles out of fresh fruit for a tasty treat while you cool off.

Look for sales at the store and stock up on some of these food items with your grocery credit card to save even more.

5. Avoid cooking with heat

Crock pots aren't just for wintertime chili! Using a slow cooker can be a great way to make a tasty meal without heating up your kitchen by using your oven or stove. Or if you have outdoor space, fire up the grill and keep all the heat outside rather than in your home.

If you don't have either of these appliances but can't live off of just salads and snacks, do what you can to meal plan ahead of time. Try to avoid cooking during the hottest parts of the day, and cook in bulk so one round in the kitchen buys you a couple days' worth of meals.

Keep cool, friends

Summertime is glorious, and all too fleeting if you live in a place with a harsh winter climate (it's me, hi). But the record heat many of us have been experiencing can be dangerous as well. It's important to do what you can to stay cool and safe, so you can enjoy all the good things the season has to offer.