Summertime is almost here, and meteorologists are predicting a warmer season than normal for much of the country.
While we look forward to fun activities such as 4th of July celebrations and parties by the pool, many of us fret over the oppressive heat and higher power bills.
That being said, there are several ways you can “beat the heat” this summer that don’t require racking up a huge A/C bill. And these methods go beyond simple money-savings.
They could help you cope with the heat in emergency situations where you may not have access to air-conditioning or even reliable electricity.
RELATED: How to Build an Off-the-Grid A/C Using an Old Cooler [VIDEO]
To help you with this goal, we have gathered a few of the best budget tips, ranging from those that do not require any electricity at all to options for reducing your electric consumption.
1. Invest in Battery Powered Fans
This does require an initial investment, but in the long run, it can save you a lot of money.
As an added bonus, you will be able to stay cool if the power goes out. Simply purchase rechargeable batteries and hook them to a solar battery charging panel.
This is by far the best way to reduce your expenses over time and to remove yourself from the necessity of having electricity during a heatwave.
Photo by David Salahi
2. Build a Solar-Powered DIY Air Conditioner
If you’re even just a little bit handy (and which prepper isn’t?), you can easily construct your own air conditioning system out of a few basic supplies.
RELATED: How to Build an Off-the-Grid A/C Using an Old Cooler [STEP-BY-STEP]
Acquire a large bucket, a Styrofoam liner, some PVC piping and a fan. Next, follow the instructions in the video above while freezing a gallon of water. The fan can be hooked up to a standard power source, a solar panel or be powered by batteries.
Either way, this option is going to save you money over a traditional A/C.