Top 5 Money-Saving Tips to Beat the Heat

Iowans struggling to keep up with inflation are also struggling to stay cool as summer temperatures continue to soar. At last check, energy costs are up 42% in the last year, while food costs are up 10%. During these dog day of summer, AARP Iowa is sharing five simple, money-saving tips to help you keep cool while stretching those dollars. 

TOP 5 MONEY-SAVING TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT:

• Close Your Curtains: 76% of sunlight that falls on double-pane windows becomes heat in the summer. Consider blackout curtains to block the sun.

• Fans Are Your Friend: Fans cost less to run than air conditioners, so you can keep them running all day without running up your electric bill. Be sure your fan blades are spinning counterclockwise to push the cold air down. Additionally, using two fans to create cross-ventilation is an inexpensive way to reduce heat in your home.

• Ditch the Oven & Dryer: Ovens give off heat and can easily add a couple degrees to your kitchen temperature. Same goes for your dryer. Keep your oven off during heatwaves and take advantage of the heat by air-drying your clothes outside.

• Tune Up Your Air Conditioner: Make sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible. Simple upkeep, like changing filters and making sure your air conditioning unit is clear of dirt and debris can improve the unit’s performance and lower your utility bills.

• Tap Your Community: If you can’t make it to the pool or the beach, there are still plenty of free ways Iowans can cool off, including community centers, malls, libraries and designated cooling stations.  Museums, movie theaters and playhouses often offer discounts to seniors and are great places to stay cool and entertained.

“You can bet I’ll be keeping my oven off and blinds shut when temperatures start climbing toward 100 degrees,” said Brad Anderson, AARP Iowa State Director. “With food and gas prices skyrocketing, the last thing older Iowans need is mother nature adding more pain to their pocketbooks. We are happy to offer simple, low-cost ways to stay cool and save cash, and we encourage Iowans to reach out if they have ideas of their own.”

Iowans with more money-saving tips are encouraged to email us at IA@aarp.org so we can share your tip with AARP members across the state.