Finally I could get to sleep, this new cool down method went swimmingly until it literally went SWIMmingly.  4:30 in the morning I woke up in a panic WHY IS MY BED SOAKING WET!? Well the Ziploc bag had not quite done its job.

The following night I improved my system by freezing water in Tupperware and then for extra leakage protection throwing it into a Ziploc bag.  A few dry nights later I have to say I think I have perfected the ice cold, rock hard version of a teddy bear.

My middle of the night over-heated panic attack got me wondering, how much energy we waste those few days a year when the temperatures soar?  After perusing the web for information I found just what I suspected, during hot summers is when we consume the most energy.  In fact, our AC units often use more electricity than any other appliance in the house, they can account for 60-70% of our electricity bills! For more shocking information about AC units I would suggest checking out  this site dedicated to Saving Electricity.

Below I’ve listed a few tips for keeping your house cool during these scorching days, I would love to see your suggestions.  For more tips you may want check out the U.S. Department of Energy, California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center , and Helium’s article on How to reduce energy consumption during the summer.

• Sleeping with frozen water, in a tupper ware, in a ziplock bag
• Being conscious about opening your windows at night to let in the cool air and then closing them during the hot day
• Use fans to keep the air circulating, air movement can help you feel cooler than you actually are
• Shade your windows with blinds, towels, planted trees, whatever gets the trick done