Staying Cool in Gainesville, Florida Apartments during those Long, Hot Summer Months

Anyone who has lived in Gainesville, Florida, knows how hot it can get. As the sun glares down on the pavement and humidity hangs heavy in the air, most Gainesville residents would do almost anything to find relief from this outdoor sauna.

Due to the unforgiving summer temperatures, those who live in Gainesville, Florida apartments may be tempted to set their air conditioners at a constant 60 degrees. Unfortunately, this may leave apartment dwellers with a monthly power bill that dwarfs their annual salary. With this in mind, here are some tips to help you stay cool in your apartment and save some money on your energy bill, too:

• Increase air circulation. Run your ceiling fans and floor fans. They can help you feel up to 8 degrees cooler.
• Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to make the breeze cooler.
• Keep your window shades pulled down to keep out the sun.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of regular incandescent bulbs.
• If you work out, do so in the early morning when the day is at its coolest.
• Avoid cooking with your full-size stove or oven, if possible. Use your microwave or a toaster oven instead.
• Eat cool foods like salads, wraps, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables.
• Place cool, wet washcloths on your wrists and neck.
• Wear loose, light clothing made out of cotton fibers.

If all else fails, leave your Gainesville apartment for a while and go to a place that’s always cool like a shopping mall, library, movie theater, restaurant, or museum. Finally, try to stay as relaxed and stationary as possible to give your body a chance to cool off on its own.