The Smartest Guide To Staying Chill This Summer

Do you have what it takes to beat the heat? Grab a refreshing beverage and read these tips for keeping yourself and your space cool, plus the cost of your bills chill, too – presented with the help of some adorable assistants and ExxonMobil.

1. Have your ceiling fan blades face downward and rotate clockwise.

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This'll most effectively bring the cool air toward you, which we imagine is something you'll be a "fan" of.

2. Find the air conditioner that's right for YOU.

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It's a lot easier than finding a person who's right for you. Here's how:

+ For a square room: multiply length by width

+ For a triangular room: multiply length by width, divide by 2 ➞ add to square part

3. Take a minute to calculate the power needed for your AC unit.

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And ramp it up according to the square footage of your space.

4. Also, add another 600 BTU for every person who regularly uses the room you're trying to cool.

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They'll think you're pretty "cool" for doing so.

5. Consider curtains!

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Keeping them closed blocks unnecessary heat from infiltrating your space... not to mention, they're a nice decorative flare to make your place feel a little more "adult."

6. Speaking of kitchens, use the microwave to make food instead of the oven.

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It uses 75% less energy, and it's probably like at least 75% faster too.

7. Plant a shady tree stationed to the south or west of your house.

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The natural cooling of one well-placed tree can reduce your energy costs by about 25% in the summer heat. Also, trees help us breathe and stuff.

8. Turn up your thermostat 10 degrees during the hours you're not home.

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You could save up to $150 during the warmer months if you have the patience to heat up before cooling down as soon as you walk in the door.

9. Add a few more inches of insulation to the attic walls or highest surface room of your home.

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This could lower your cooling costs 10-20%. Extra padding for your WALLET in addition to your walls.

10. Decorate with pale colors.

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This will reflect more natural light in your space, saving money (because you'll turn on fewer lights) while setting up some killer ambiance.

11. Take a free energy audit, at-home or online. Or have an associate visit you to do one.

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They're pretty simple and make it easy to pinpoint exactly where you can make your living space more energy efficient. Get dat green.

12. ALWAYS BE DRINKING WATER.

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Even if you're not #thirsty.