17 budget-friendly ways to keep yourself (and your home) cool in the summer

If you find that you've got a door that's letting in warm air or a leaky window, consider using caulk or weather stripping to seal up those areas to both make your home more energy-efficient and keep it cooler. 

They may not always be the most fashionable, but many discount retailers sell blackout curtains that will block the sun's rays and keep your home cooler in the process. If you're willing to splurge, though, you can definitely find some heavy, light-blocking drapes in a style you love. 

If your home has a lot of windows, simply closing the blinds can make a major difference in how much the sun warms your home. Even just keeping them shut during the sunniest times of the day will make a big difference. 

When you're done gardening or doing pilates, few things feel more refreshing than a spritz of cool water. Store a small spray bottle in the fridge, and mist yourself in those moments when you're feeling a little too hot. Adding a few cucumber slices to the water makes this ritual feel a little luxurious, too. 

Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning counter-clockwise, ensuring that your spaces stay cooler instead of drawing all the breezy air up toward the ceiling. 

Fans don't actually make rooms cooler, but they do make them feel cooler, which means that you can crank up the thermostat a few more degrees without worrying about breaking a sweat. 

Although it seems like a smart way to conserve energy, turning off the air conditioning while you're out isn't actually the best idea. You'll spend more energy trying to cool the house back down from those higher temps, and risk putting strain on your A/C unit. 

To make sure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency, have it evaluated by a professional. Many air conditioning companies offer free consultations, and though they're often accompanied by a sales pitch, you're not obligated to buy anything. 

If you need to scrub the floors or hit the home gym, consider getting up early — or staying up late — to get those things knocked off your to-do list without having to crank up the air conditioning. 

Many people like their homes a little cooler at night for better sleep, but you don't necessarily need to crank down the air conditioning to make that happen. Sleep in breezy, cotton pajamas, turn on a fan, and swap your heavy comforter for a light cotton blanket for better rest — and a lower electric bill. 

Staying hydrated in the summer is crucial, especially if you plan to be in the outdoors. But a nice glass of ice water can really cool you down indoors, too. Consider investing in an insulated mug to keep your drink chilly all day long. 

For those days when it's too hot to enjoy the great outdoors without a little assistance, mister fans are a huge help. They're also relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $100, and can make your patio or deck much more enjoyable during the dog days of summer. 

Sometimes, you just need to take a dip during summer's hottest days, but buying and maintaining a pool is an expensive hassle. Stock tank pools have risen in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They're inexpensive and easy to make, and offer a nice respite on brutally hot days. Check out this DIY tutorial for more tips. 

It might sound inconsequential, but traditional incandescent light bulbs can put off a ton of heat, especially in smaller spaces. They're also about to be phased out of the market due to new regulations, so now's a great time to swap to more energy-efficient (and cooler) LED bulbs. 

Hot showers are definitely the best, but summertime demands a cooler rinse. Turn down the temperature just a few degrees, and you'll be surprised at how much less red-faced you are after showering. And, whenever you're feeling overheated, a cool shower is the definition of refreshing. 

Not surprisingly, cranking up the oven to bake a pizza at 400 degrees will definitely heat up your home. Stick to crock pot meals on really hot days, or order takeout — nobody should have to cook when it's this hot outside. 

Washing machines, dryers, and other large appliances can give off substantial amounts of heat. Do your laundry late at night, or consider taking advantage of the warm weather and drying some of your clothing outdoors on a clothesline. You'll save energy, keep the house cooler, and your clothes will smell great.