How to Keep Cool in Michigan Without Breaking the Bank

Michigan really has gone through the dog days of summer this year, and it has not been easy. It hasn't been easy on our temperaments, our air conditioning units, or our electric bills.

And while cooler days are not too far off, we certainly have quite a bit of summer left to go and I'm sure many more scorching days in the distance.

Until we can break out our warmer clothes for that all-favorite "sweater weather", Michiganders will have to tough out the rest of this sweatier weather.

Michigan’s Best Budget-Friendly Summer Cooling Hacks

Let's face it, not every Michigander has a ton of cash to keep their home set to a cool, comfortable 70 degrees at all times. Some of us have to turn to some other, more frugal methods of staying cool.

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Here are some inexpensive things all Michiganders do (or should be doing) to save some money on A/C costs.

Closing the Blinds/Curtains

This will block the sun from pouring directly into the room and heating it up. Do yourself a favor and up your curtain game by investing in blackout curtains, those will help even more for those windows and doorwalls that face the rising or setting sun.

Cooking Outside

We do not turn on the stove or the oven if we don't have to, lest we want our house to turn into an oven. Grills and outdoor flat tops (i.e. Blackstones) will be your best friend this summer.

Invest in "Shade"

Maybe "shade" means planting a tree that will get tall and offer ample shade in a shorter period of time. Maybe that's adding a sun sail off the deck. Maybe it's adding an umbrella to your favorite sitting area. Whatever you add to increase your shade will help.

Buy a Kiddie Pool

Even if you don't have a little one, a small inflatable pool will help keep you cool through the summer. Some of the coldest water (I believe) comes straight from the hose. Fill up the kiddie pool, stick your feet in, and you will feel refreshed.

READ ALSO: 5 Annoying Truths About Summer in Michigan

Heck, even if you didn't do any of these, you could just walk around the mall and window shop, because you know they keep that air-conditioned. Stay cool this summer!