Cool off in a flash

These ideas require no or very little energy consumption.

• Close shutters, blinds or curtains in the morning before the sun has a chance to heat up the house. Open them wide when the cooler evening breeze picks up. • Switch off lights and electrical appliances you’re not using. Make use of energy-saving light bulbs (CFLs), which emit less heat. • Do your cooking and baking early in the morning or after sunset. • Open high windows and skylights at night to let hot air out. • Hang a damp towel in front of a fan to absorb the heat. • Use pure-cotton bedding. Put your sheets in a plastic bag and in the freezer before you go to bed. • When all else fails, go to the movies in the late afternoon (cinemas are wonderfully cool) or hang out in Woolworths. ( In Prince Albert,go to the OK Grocer.– Eds.)