.png)
Five Budget-Friendly Ways to Stay Cool This Summer
When Missouri summers crank up the heat, staying cool becomes a top priority—but that doesn’t mean you have to sweat over high energy bills. Whether you’re in the Ozarks, the Bootheel, or the city suburbs, these budget-conscious ideas can help you stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
1. Master the Fan Game: Box fans, ceiling fans, and even a well-placed window fan can make a big difference. In the evening, open windows and use a fan to pull in the cooler outdoor air. During the day, close the windows and curtains to trap that cool air inside. Pro tip: set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise in summer—it pushes cool air down.
2. Make Use of Nature’s Shade: If you’ve got big trees or leafy spots around your home, set up outdoor seating there for natural relief. Indoors, keep blinds or blackout curtains drawn on sun-facing windows during peak hours to reduce the indoor temperature significantly. For renters or those without shade, window reflectors or thermal curtains are low-cost solutions with a high impact.
3. Get Creative with Cold Water: A damp washcloth in the freezer becomes a mini oasis on a sweltering day. Keep a spray bottle of cold water in the fridge for a quick mist. Take short, cool showers or soak your feet in a bucket of cold water while relaxing. It sounds simple, but it can lower your body temperature surprisingly fast.
4. Cook Outside or Not at All: Avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day—these can turn your kitchen into a sauna. Instead, grill outside, prep no-cook meals like salads and wraps, or use small appliances like a microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer that don’t pump out as much heat.
5. Chill Your Living Space Strategically: You don’t need to cool the whole house—just cool the rooms you use most. Close doors to unused rooms and use a portable fan or window AC unit only where you need it. You can even make a DIY “swamp cooler” by placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a quick and cool breeze.
Staying cool in Missouri's summer heat doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart adjustments and a little creativity, you can keep your cool—and your utility bills low—all season long.
To buy or sell real estate this summer, give Results Realty and Auction a call at (573) 341-8200.