summer Archives

Top 5 Gadgets for Staying Cool This Summer

Posted on July 31, 2021August 11, 2021 Camille Smith

Especially when you’re living at the lake, the summer heat is no joke. When you’re out all day hiking, swimming, and boating, it can be easy to get overheated. This is because, in hot weather, we tend to lose our body fluids through sweat. So, in addition to staying hydrated by carrying portable water bottles around, you can also invest in some gadgets that help keep you cool this summer. From spinning fans to cooling towels, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top 5 recommendations.

Portable Personal Mini Fan

If you ever went to sleep-away camp as a kid, this portable mini fan will bring back some nostalgia. These gadgets are practically emblematic of summer, and guess what? They never go out of style. Small and practical, these contraptions fit conveniently into bags and pockets. This way, it’s easy to take with you on outdoor excursions. Also, since it can usually run for up to 12-24 hours on a few AA batteries, it’s perfect for camping trips where you’ll need to stay cool for more extended periods of time.

Drinking and Misting Bottle

Of course, water bottles are a timeless necessity for the summer. But what about keeping your face cool, in addition to your body? This water bottle from O2 Cool is equipped with a double feature — hydration and misting in one. Its medium size fits in most bicycle cages, and the carry loop provides easy transport so that you can bring it on many outdoor adventures. And the best part? It’s less than $10, so it’s very affordable for all lake lovers!

Cooling Towel

We’ve all been there. Getting out of the lake on a hot day, only to wrap yourself in an even hotter towel. So, when it comes to cooling gadgets at the lake, the cooling towel is essential. These towels are here to give you instant relief on hot days. Lightweight and eco-friendly, this towel is activated by soaking it in cold water, wringing it out, and packing it in the ziplock container. This way, the cold temperature of the towel is contained whenever you need it. It can even be used as a headband or bandana!

Ice Roller

Sometimes, the heat exhaustion is extreme, and you need a solution that’s as cold as ice. Enter the ice roller. Keep this gadget in your freezer until you need it, and then simply roll it along your skin. This gadget is handy for cooling down sunburns, especially when the aloe vera alone isn’t enough. But, of course, the ice roller has other benefits, such as revitalizing skin and relieving fatigue, which we need all year round!

Ultra-Cool Pillow

Thankfully, nights at the lake tend to be much cooler than sunny days. However, it can still be nice to keep your head cool in the evenings. For this reason, an ultra-cool pillow is a great choice. This pillow’s technology absorbs excess heat to keep your body temperature regulated. Although this product is on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth it for those who get overheated at night during the summer!

While these are just a few examples, there’s plenty of gadgets for staying cool this summer that are on the market right now. Whatever you choose, please remember to use sun protection, drink plenty of water, and regulate your body temperature.

3 {Paw}esome Tips for Beating the Summer Heat

Posted on August 26, 2019October 15, 2019 Staff

This article originally appeared in Southern Paws and Tails Magazine.

The dog days of summer are HERE, so it’s time for a reminder about your role in helping every member of your household beat the heat.

Stop sweating it and try out these wag-tastic tips for keeping your furry loved ones cool!

Keep ‘em Hydrated

Dogs and cats don’t have sweat glands in the same way that people do, which is why a lot of their body temperature regulation is done through panting. When your pet is panting heavily, it is in danger of becoming dehydrated.

Because you’re the one with opposable thumbs, it falls on you to keep your fur-babies’ water bowls full. Adding ice to the bowl helps to cool things down and can keep your pet entertained.

Another way to help your pets with beating the summer heat is by installing a doggy door to allow them to go freely between the outdoors for fun in the sun and quenching their thirst at the lake’s edge.

Be cautious, however, since some bodies of water can contain microorganisms that can be bad for your pet’s health.

Take a Swim

Taking a swim with your pet in your favorite lake will bring down body temperature and is one of the quickest ways to help your pets with beating the summer heat.

But before you dive in, make sure your pet is prepared. Don’t assume every dog knows how to swim instinctively; particularly those with big chests and tiny legs. Certain builds and breeds can struggle in the water and might require an animal life vest to enjoy the lake. Stay close initially until you’re sure your pet is a natural swimmer.

Also, think about how they will get into and out of the water. Access is often achieved by simply jumping from your home’s deck or dock into the lake, so you should make sure your structures are free of protruding nails and screws that could injure your pets when they jump.

Access to an exit from the water is very important. If your dock lacks stairs, you may want to add a ramp to the nearby shore.

And be sure to check the water level to make sure it is deep enough for your pets to jump into the water safely. Submerged hazards are just as dangerous for Fido as they are for you.

Provide Some Shade

Providing shade for your pet in the warmest parts of the day is important for beating the summer heat.

Shade trees are an instinctive choice for many pets who need to cool down. But if your lake home is short on natural shade, you can create a fur-friendly corner of your shaded deck by setting up a small fan, a water bowl and a cool mat or wet towel to lie on.

You can set up a similarly shady spot away from the house with a big beach or market umbrella to produce artificial shade.

Pets are important members of the family. Following these simple tips can keep them healthy and let them enjoy the lake as much as their human companions.

For more on keeping your pet safe at the lake, check out these great stories: “Protecting Your Pets: Animal Safety While Showing Your Home” and “Pet Travel: How to Prepare Your Pet for a Trip to the Lake“.

5 Delicious Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy All Summer Long

Posted on June 22, 2018June 6, 2019 Staff

Imagine this: the a sun is setting, and the breeze is blowing. The kids are in the water having a blast, and you’re sitting lakeside, sipping a tasty homemade cocktail and soaking it all in. Does it get any better than that?

Enjoying life is what lake lovers do best, and these five unique cocktail recipes are sure to add some flair to any sunny day.

Pink Lemonade Vodka Slush

Pink lemonade is a warm-weather classic. Just add some vodka, and you’ve got yourself a party.

Ingredients:

1 gallon-size ice cream pail
12 oz frozen pink lemonade concentrate (thawed)
2 cups vodka
2-liter bottle of citrus soda (Sprite, Squirt, etc.)

Directions:

First, combine thawed pink lemonade concentrate, 2 cups of vodka and a 2-liter bottle of citrus soda in the ice cream pail.

Stir and freeze.

After it’s frozen, remove from the freezer an hour or two before you plan to serve it. Once it begins to thaw and melt, you can scrape the slush into a glass.

Now just top your drink with some extra soda, tonic or carbonated water, and sip away!

Courtesy of culinaryhill.com

Blueberry Mint Margarita

The sun’s beaming now, which means the fruits and berries should be in abundance in the produce section. Why not throw a few in your cocktail to make the ultimate sweet treat?

Ingredients:

½ cup lime juice
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 Tbsps agave nectar
1 Tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped
3 oz silver tequila
1 oz triple sec
Sugar (for the rim)
2 fresh mint sprigs
Splash of seltzer (optional)

Directions:

To begin, put lime juice, blueberries, agave and mint into a blender. Blend until smooth.

Then pour the blueberry mixture through a sieve (a wire or plastic frame used for straining solids from liquids) into a large glass. Press down on the solids to extract juice and then discard.

Next, run a slice of lime around the rim of two glasses. Then place sugar on a plate, and dip the moistened rims in the sugar to coat.

Fill those two glasses with ice.

In a large cocktail shaker, add your blueberry mixture, tequila and triple sec. Shake well.

After that, divide the drink evenly between the two glasses. Top with a splash of seltzer and garnish with mint.

Courtesy of virtuallyhomemade.com

Smashed Cherry Mule

Who doesn’t love a Moscow Mule? Since you’ll already be grabbing blueberries at the farmer’s market for that margarita, go ahead and snag some cherries while you’re at it! This bold drink is refreshing, colorful and full of flavor.

Materials:

2 oz vodka
4 fresh cherries
Ginger beer
Lime

Directions:

First, cut 4 cherries in half and remove the pits.

Then, in the bottom of your cup, mash the four cherries with the juice from half a lime.

Next, add vodka, ice and then top with ginger beer.

Garnish the drink with a lime slice and a fresh cherry.

P.S.—you can eat the cherries at the bottom of the cup when you’re done!

Courtesy of abeautifulmess.com

Grapefruit Blood Orange Cocktail

It’s the color of sunset and tastes like heaven. Whipping up this delight will only take five minutes of your time, and it’s worth every second.

Materials:

1.5 oz vodka
3 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
3 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions:

Just pour all the ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake it well.

Then pour the mixture into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a blood orange wedge.

Courtesy of wearenotmartha.com

Raspberry Lemon Drop Martinis

Last but not least, the ever-popular lemon drop. They simply scream summertime, and this fruity, colorful spin not only makes this cocktail yummy, but pretty.

Materials:

¼ cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
3-4 oz vodka
4 Tbsps fresh lemon juice (plus lemon slices for garnish)
¼ cup lemon lime soda
4 Tbsps sugar

Directions:

First, muddle your raspberries with sugar to create a raspberry puree. Press the mix through a sieve to remove seeds and release as much juice as possible.

After that, mix the raspberry puree, vodka, soda, lemon juice and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well.

Garnish with lemon slice and raspberries.

Courtesy of realhousemoms.com

This lake season, stock your fridge with berries and tequila and give these tasty cocktail recipes a shot! They’re a delicious way to enjoy a summer day down by the water. Cheers!

Water Safety for Kids on the Lake

Posted on July 23, 2017June 12, 2018 Staff

Every parent wants their children to stay safe while having fun at the lake.

Just a little preparation can help your kids have a fun time on the lake, and build memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Whether they are toddlers or teenagers, water safety can start right now!

Here are some water safety tips for parents, big brothers and sisters or anyone keeping an eye on kids at the lake.

Near the Water

Imagine a warm summer afternoon. You’re sitting in a lounge chair on your back deck, having some laughs with the family. The smell of barbecue is in the air, the sun is shining off the lake and it’s a gorgeous day.

The water is less than 50 yards away. Everyone’s having a great time – especially your toddler, who is making her way right to the water!

With small children, the most important safety factor is supervision. Even if you are watching them, it’s easy to get distracted. Always keep an eye on your children.

If you have small children, make sure you latch, lock or childproof every possible route between your little one and the water.

As soon as they are old enough, make sure they understand that they are never to go near the water without a parent or adult. Don’t make them afraid of the water! Rather, visit the water with them.

Make sure your kids know to be careful around docks, shorelines, dams and boathouses. One wrong step on a slippery dock can spell disaster.

Consider buying your kids water shoes or boating shoes. These give much more traction than sandals or bare feet, and protect your little ones from rocks, sticks and broken glass.

On the Water

Water safety is just as important for boating. Make sure everyone on a boat wears a life perserver, especially children. Many communities mandate the use of life preservers for children on boats less than 30 feet long.

This is good advice, even in calm water. Nearly half of all drownings related to boating happen in calm water. In the vast majority of them, life preservers were in the boat, but not being worn.

It helps to serve as a good example. Wear a life preserver yourself! You don’t have to wear the bulky life preservers of the past, either.

Modern technology has given us smaller, more comfortable life preservers. Many of them lay flat until they hit the water, at which point they inflate automatically. Those which need manual pull-cords to inflate are not recommended for children.

Make sure your child has an appropriately sized life preserver, too. It should close securely around their chest.

If you grip the life preserver securely and lift, this should eventually lift your child. A life preserver that is too loose will slide up around their neck. One that is too tight or small will not close.

Enroll your child in a boating safety course, if you can. Most lake communities have these available for a small fee. A weekend of instruction can not only save your child’s life. You might learn a few things, too!

In the Water

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of four.

If you are supervising kids, make sure you keep an eye on them at all times. Children who are not strong swimmers should have life preservers in the water. Toys such as water wings and pool noodles do not count!

If your kids are in the water, you should be, too. Should your child get in trouble, you need to be right there. It won’t help if you’re busy texting at the shoreline! This is less important if they are strong swimmers, but you still need to be nearby.

Of course, the best way to encourage water safety with your kids is to enroll them in a swimming course. Any child who spends time on the lake should be able to swim, even if they wear a life preserver. This does more than save their lives. It also means they can enjoy the lake, and the water, in every possible way!

Not sure if your child is old enough to learn to swim? If they’re even six months old, they can get started! “Infant swim” classes are becoming more popular nowadays. These programs have decades of research behind them, and are proven to save children’s lives.

Instructors teach children to float, to roll over onto their backs, and not to panic if they fall into the water. Infant swim lessons are not a substitute for parental supervision. They are a last line of defense. They also acclimate children to the water, so they can take proper swimming lessons as they get older.

For more information on infant swim classes, visit infantswim.com or read our Lake Living Basics article for tips on how to teach your kids to swim yourself.

Even if your children can tread water on their own, swim classes are a great summer activity. Most lake communities have places for swim lessons for kids of all ages.

Whatever their interests, your children can be safe near, on, or in the water with just a little preparation. Have fun, stay safe and enjoy the lake!

Grilling Out this Memorial Day

Posted on May 22, 2017May 24, 2018 Staff

This weekend, Americans across the country will celebrate Memorial Day, to honor those who died while serving in the nation’s armed forces.

What better place to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than on the lake, surrounded by our loved ones and this country’s natural beauty?

If you are hosting a Memorial Day barbecue on the lake, here is a checklist to help you get started with your preparations.

Clean up Your Act!

Spring is the perfect time to give your grill a good scrub-down. This is true even if you haven’t used the grill since last fall. Give it a good cleaning to remove dirt, dust, grime and other things you don’t want on that first burger of the season.

If you can remove the grill grates, soak them in a bucket, or plastic tub, of hot water and dish soap, then give them a good scrub.

Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose before putting them back in.

Scrub the grill hood and inside walls to remove any build-up. If your grill uses propane or natural gas, make sure all the jet ports are clean and free of gunk or debris.

Give me fuel, give me fire…

Take a careful look at that half-empty bag of charcoal in the garage.

Will it REALLY be enough? If you can’t say for sure, better safe than sorry.

Grab a fresh bag of charcoal and make sure there’s plenty to go around. Unless you use self-lighting charcoal, make sure you have lighter fluid, too.

If you use a propane tank, make sure there is enough propane. If you don’t have a gauge attached, here’s an easy trick to find out how much propane is left in your tank.

Still shopping for your grill this season? Click here for tips on finding the grill of your dreams.

Serving Guides

Keep these serving guidelines in mind when you’re planning the menu.

For boneless meat, such as hamburgers, most experts recommend between 1/3 and ½ pound of meat per adult.
For meat with bones, such as ribs or chicken wings, plan for somewhere between 12 and 16 ounces per person.
- This breaks down to approximately four to six ribs, depending on the type, and 10 wings.
Side dishes vary, depending on how filling they are. For most dishes, experts recommend four to six ounces per person.
With a side salad, go for one big handful per person.
When in doubt, round up. It’s far better to have leftovers than to run to the store in the middle of your barbecue because you ran out of something!

Get a Solid Head Count

While this seems like a no-brainer, it goes hand in hand with making sure you have enough food.

If you’re just feeding your immediate family, this isn’t a problem. On the other hand, if you invited all your friends, family and coworkers, you might have more guests than you can handle!

It may seem like overkill, but treating your barbecue like an invitation-only event can save your it.

Don’t be afraid to divvy up the side dish duties, either.

Most guests are happy to bring a dish. If you insist on buying everything, even a modest back yard barbecue can easily run upwards of $300.

Make sure you have plenty of parking for your event, too.

If you can, tell people where to park in your invitation. That way you won’t see their tire tracks in your front lawn through the month of June.

Get the Tools for the Job!

From a first-timer to a veteran grillmaster, everyone needs the tools for the job. Make sure you have each of these before you get started.

Basic tools: Metal spatula, metal tongs, basting brush, barbecue fork, butcher knife, barbecue scrub brush
Advanced tools: meat thermometer, gloves, bottle opener, meat tenderizer, meat shredder
Specialty tools: Shish kabob skewers, corn on the cob skewers, squirt bottle
Other equipment: Paper plates, disposable cups and silverware, outdoor garbage can, paper towels, tin foil, serving utensils, cooler

Turn up the Music (to a reasonable level)

Having some patriotic jams can make you the life of the party this Memorial Day.

If you don’t fancy yourself a DJ, online music services like Sirius, I Heart Radio, Spotify, and Pandora typically have all-American stations and playlists for Memorial Day.

When outdoors, remember to keep the volume down to a reasonable level as sound can carry great distances across the lake.

Just because you love rocking out to Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t mean the rest of the neighborhood wants to (even if they should.)

Have a “Worst Case Scenario” Plan for the Weather

No matter how much we plan, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our outdoor party schedule. Have a contingency plan in case it gets rainy, or worse.

If the sky opens up, don’t panic!

Most grilled dishes can be cooked inside, on your stove or in the oven. Make sure you have adequate seating for everyone, and put a movie on.

A little rain is no reason to cancel your celebration!

Remember the Reason for the Season

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the United States.

Don’t forget to honor them during your event. Be sure to thank any veterans or members of the military for their service to our country.

Summer Lake Toys in 2017

Posted on April 28, 2017June 6, 2019 Staff

Lake toys have advanced in leaps and bounds since the good old days when we were growing up. That’s just as true on the lake as everywhere else!

Here’s a look at some cool new lake toys to keep an eye out for in 2017. Some are made for kids, but most are a blast for all ages on the lake!

The TowBoggan

The TowBoggan is just like the floating water mats you see so many people lounging on in recent years, with one exception.

It’s designed to hook up to your boat for an exhilarating trip around the lake!

The TowBoggan is reinforced at one end, and equipped with attachment points for a tow line. So grab a seat and hang on tight for a trip around the lake!

Large enough for six people, the TowBoggan works just as well at zero miles an hour, and makes an excellent lounge area on the water.

The Sea Window

Give small children, or kids of any age, an easy look under the water’s surface with The Sea Window!

The Sea Window Snorkeling Window is an inflatable portable viewing window, with double-layered panes to give a sharp, magnified view underwater.

You can use this lake toy while swimming, wading, or just standing in the shallows.

Seaview Snorkel Mask

For those looking for a more immersive experience with their lake toys, try the Seaview 180-degree Snorkel Mask by WildHorn Outfitters.

This modern take on a snorkel gives you a better view, while also keeping water out of your mouth.

The comfortable full face mask gives you a 180-degree view of your surroundings, with an anti-fog design that keeps it from clouding up.

The mount at the top of the mask is specially designed for attaching a waterproof GoPro camera, as well, to document your excursion under the waves!

JetPack America Jet Pack

These high-end toys have come in vogue in recent years, with lake visitors across the country jetting across the water like superheroes.

Each jetpack is connected to a small, powerful pump at lake level that sucks water through a tube up to a pack on the wearer’s back (or under their feet).

It is then shot back down in a powerful stream, propelling them up and forward!

Users can safely steer, hover, dive and jet underwater as they please.

Just be careful of any underwater hazards!

Kits start at $3,500, so there is a chance it’s out of your price range. Good news, though! You can book jetpack “flights” at many lakes around the country. Look online to see if there is a location on your lake!

Sportstuff Cabana Islander

If a leisurely afternoon at the lake is more your speed, take a look at the Sportstuff Cabana Islander.

This canopied inflatable island has all the comforts you could ask for: an entry ramp, inflatable cooler, detachable nylon top and seating for up to six.

The Cabana Islander is constructed of sturdy K80 PVC, so it won’t tear on lake bottoms.

At the end of the day, it deflates for storage into a single, easy to carry tote bag.

WaterSkipper Hydrofoil

Want a cool new lake toy?

How about a way to get a good workout there, or get from one end to the other without any fuel, noise, or other hassles?

Take a look at the WaterSkipper Hydrofoil.

Step aboard, grab the handlebars, and gently hop up and down to make the hydrofoil carry you across the water at speeds up to 17 miles per hour. Models start at $500.

Race your friends, ride the waves or just hand it off to the kids to wear them out before dinner.

Floating Bean Bag Toss Game

Depending on where you’re from, you may call this either a bean bag toss or a cornhole game.

Either way, you’ll have loads of fun with this buoyant take on a classic pasttime!

The inflatable target is a snap to blow up, and the “bean bags” float, too.

This way you’ll never lose them in the water, no matter how badly you miss.

Channel Water Spraying Helicopter

Need a little range to get back at someone for that Super Soaker attack?

Call in some air support with this remote-controlled, water spraying helicopter.

It has a water fuselage connected to a remote-controlled water gun, and works just like any other remote controlled helicopter.

The built-in gyroscope gives it excellent aiming stability while your friends run for cover. Welcome to the next generation of lake toys.

Gigantic Inflatable Rubber Ducky

Simple. Classic. The life of the party.

And absolutely gigantic.

At more than six feet tall, the Gigantic Inflatable Rubber Ducky by BigMouth, Inc. is a larger-than-life reimagining of Ernie’s old friend.

You’ll certainly stand out whenever this big fellow is standing guard!

6 Reasons to Own a Swimming Pool at the Lake

Posted on June 10, 2016June 5, 2019 Staff

You can feel it; the weather is warm and you are getting the itch to swim. Your entire family is ready to splash away their days in the sun.

Healthier Lifestyle

There are many families that purchase a pool for family fun; however, an amazing benefit of a swimming pool is the fitness that automatically comes with the fun.

Families that have a pool are getting much more exercise than those families that do not have one. This offers an overall wellness for the body.

Some great exercises that can be done in a pool are water walking, water jogging and of course swimming.

The resistance offers a low impact exercise. These aquatic exercises offer simultaneous resistance for all muscles in the body, while protecting the joints, as well as the bones.

Crystal Clear Waters

While most lakes have crystal clear water, there are some that can get muddy or see some algae growth from time to time.

During these periods, your swimming pool, whether it is chlorinated or salt water, is guaranteed to have pristine waters. This provides an opportunity for swimming no matter the lake conditions!

Better Sleep

Whether your children struggle with restless nights or you fight insomnia, having a pool will make it much easier to sleep at night.

The pool offers a way for the family to exert their bodies in a fun way in order to wear themselves down for bed.

Scientifically speaking, the water also offers another way to burn energy. The water is cooler than the temperature of the body. This causes the body to exert more energy in order to stay warm.

Visit with Family More Often

When you have a pool, you automatically have a great way to join family and friends together.

Barbecues and birthday are so much more fun when you have something as great as a swimming pool. Your friends and family will be more inclined to come and visit if you have a pool to enjoy together.

Property Value

Many times, depending on your location, a pool can dramatically increase a home’s value. This is particularly the case in warmer locations that provide longer swim seasons.

Consult with a local real estate expert in your area before adding a pool strictly for investment purposes!

Keep the Angler Happy

Is your shoreline and dock that spot the fishing enthusiasts in the family like to hit? If so, the pool allows other family members to swim, without disturbing the fish (and anglers) in the area!

Of course there are many other benefits to owning a pool, but as you can plainly see there are some key benefits that really stand out.

If you do not already have a pool, then you may want to consider investing in one. It has the potential to offer you a happier and healthier life!

For more tips on healthy lake living, read our “8 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Home and Health” article!

10 Energy Saving Tips for the Hot Summer Months

Posted on June 16, 2015April 9, 2018 Glenn S. Phillips

Summer is an amazing time of year with boating, hiking, camping, and other amazing outdoor activities all in full swing. But face it; summer can be quite expensive due to the air conditioner.

Here are 10 energy saving tips to keep your power bill from breaking the bank this summer.

Replace the Unit

If you are living in a home that is 20 years or older, then you may need to consider replacing your air conditioning unit. Look for units that will cost less to run and will have energy approved standards stamped on them. This will make a large difference in the energy bill.

Alternate Methods for Meals

Turning on the oven or the stove can cause a battle between the air conditioner and the heat from the stove or oven. Consider grilling outside and enjoying your lake views, or using a microwave during these hot months. This will help keep your unit from running non-stop.

Automate the Thermostat

If you still use a manual thermostat, consider replacing it with an automatic one that you can program to keep the home warmer when you are not home. You can also program it to be cooler when the family is home.

Keep the Sun Out

Cover your windows to keep the sun from coming in and warming up the air. Use white or light colored curtains or blinds in order to reflect the heat instead of absorbing it.

Give the Unit a Break

Using a ceiling fan to move the air around inside the home instead of using the air conditioner will give it a break and save you money on your energy bill.

Cooler Showers

Instead of increasing the temperature of the home from a hot shower, take a cold one to cool yourself down. You will lower your body temperature, lower energy use from the hot water heater, as well as avoid steaming up the house.

Service the Unit Regularly

Ensure that the filter is changed on a regular bases. If the unit or the filter is dirty, the air conditioner will work harder to cool your home. This means that it will use more energy.

Check Your Ductwork

Ensure that the AC ductwork is sealed properly. Your duct runs throughout the home and if there is leak, you may be cooling places that do not need, like the attic.

Play Outside

Spend more time outside. Go jump in the lake or have a picnic.

If you spend less time in the home that means you can raise the temperature since no one is indoors. This ultimately means less energy being used.

Shut Parts Out

Have a spare bedroom or office that is rarely used? When this happens, shut off the vents or cut off those rooms with a drape. Close the vents in order to direct the cool air to the areas that are lived in.

These are just a few of the ways you can save on cooling costs this summer at the lake!