The dog days of summer have happened upon Colorado about a month early this year. Even if you’re one of the lucky with central air conditioning in your home or apartment, you certainly don’t want it running 24/7. The shell shock from the bill would be enough to bowl you right over. That’s why we built a guide to inexpensive ways to beat the Colorado heat this summer — and most of them work even if you don’t live in Colorado, too!

Try the Saver’s Switch – If you live in an area serviced by Xcel Energy, you can request to have a Saver’s Switch installed on your A/C unit. It simply cycles your unit on the hottest days of the year and you likely won’t even notice a temperature change. Available for residences only, and the best part? You’ll save $40 on your October energy bill just for having this completely free accessory installed.

Room-Darkening Window Dressings – You can head to your local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s (even Target and Walmart carry them) and pick up some room-darkening mini blinds. Keep the heat out and the cool in with an investment under $30.

Blackout Draperies – A set of these for the windows in your home that receive the most sun is a smart investment all the way around. They’ll last for years and you can replace them with more fashionable window dressings when the summer heat isn’t begging to be beat. They’ll run from $30 per panel to $100 per pair — and are definitely cost-efficient ways to keep that electric bill down.

The Iced Nalgene Bottle Trick – Grab one of those BPA-free durable plastic bottles you use when you go camping and use it to keep you cool. Fill it with water, leave a bit of room at the top, close it tightly, and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, you have a bottle to carry with you around the house. Set it next to you when you’re watching TV, bring it out to the back porch — the bottom line is a little old fashion ice can keep you cool. And it’s beyond inexpensive! Tip: wrap the bottle in a towel to make the chill more subtle.

A Continued Safe and Happy Holiday Weekend to You and Yours from San Juan Realty, Inc.