Including breathable beddings, effective fans, and more
Writer-Approved Summer Home Essentials
- Breathable and Moisture Wicking: Mellani Cooling Sheets, $37 (orig. $54)
- For Avoiding the Oven: Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, $100 (orig. $120)
- Noticeable Temperature Difference: Dreo Oscillating Standing Fan, $86 (orig. $100)
- Keeps AC in and Sun Out: Miulee Insulating Blackout Curtains, $20 with coupon (orig. $29)
- Cooler Than Cotton: Joyaria Cooling Bamboo Viscose Pajamas, $37 (orig. $39)
- Improves AC Efficiency: Filterbuy Indoor Air Filter, Pack of 4, $30
- Summer WFH Uniform: Wiholl 2-Piece Lounge Set, $15 (orig. $25)
- Ice Cold Drinks on Demand: Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker, $70 with coupon (orig. $90)
Living in a historic 1920s building has its perks, like original hardwood floors and arched doorways. Still, it has its fair share of drawbacks — particularly when Alabama temperatures reach their extremes.
My former third-floor apartment had just one window air-conditioning unit, and while my new digs are a slight upgrade with central AC, they both have poor insulation that turns my living space into a sauna each summer.
Instead of constantly running the AC, I’ve discovered several hacks to stay comfortable without inflating my cooling costs, and I can confidently say they’ve paid for themselves with the savings they’ve created.
Mellani Cooling Sheets
$54 $37 at Amazon
Something as simple as my swapping stuffy sheets for a cooling alternative helped me stay cooler through the night and sleep better as a result. This affordable option is made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that’s incredibly durable. I’ve used them year-round on my bed and they still look like new after countless washes and have even grown softer over time.
More Cooling Bedding
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase, Set of 2
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Southshore Fine Living Lightweight Quilted Coverlet $55 at Amazon |
Related: A Shopper Who ‘Spins Like a Crocodile’ Got ‘Very Restful Sleep’ with This Casper Mattress — It’s on Sale at Amazon
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
$120 $100 at Amazon
Turning on my oven raises the temperature in my apartment by several degrees, so I avoid it at all costs in the summer. That doesn’t mean I eat cold meals all season, though. Instead, I reach for my trusty air fryer to roast veggies, prepare meats, and even bake sweet treats. When I’m not avoiding the oven, I still reach for it to speed up meal prep, reheat leftovers, and more.
More Summer Cooking Essentials
Black and Decker Countertop Microwave
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Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
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Dreo Oscillating Standing Fan
$100 $86 at Amazon
Investing in a good fan has made the biggest difference in keeping my apartment cool. Past models that I tried cooled me off slightly, if nearby and blowing directly at me, but this pick effectively cools off my entire living room by several degrees — almost instantly.
It oscillates 120 degrees to cover a large area and has a convenient auto mode that adjusts the fan speed when it detects temperature changes. I set it up on the far side of the room as I work or watch TV, and I can manage it easily with the included remote.
More Cooling Fans to Snag
Honeywell TurboForce Tabletop Fan $15 at Amazon |
Levoit Tower Fan $100 at Amazon |
Miulee Insulating Blackout Curtains, $20 with coupon
$29 $20 at Amazon
My apartment has a ton of natural light, something I will never complain about, but on hot days, the sunlight heats my space fast. To keep the sun out and the AC in, I invested in insulating blackout curtains that I keep closed when I’m not in a room.
They’re equally as handy for retaining heat in my apartment in the winter. I just flip the schedule to let the sun stream in during the day and close the curtains at night to keep cold air out.
More Blackout Curtains at Amazon
Joydeco Blackout Curtains
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LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shade $40 at Amazon |
Related: What to Buy at Amazon This Week: 15 Super Steep Deals on Apple, Stanley, and Michael Kors — Starting at $2
Joyaria Cooling Bamboo Viscose Pajamas
$40 $37 at Amazon
Pairing cooling bedding with equally summer-friendly pajamas stopped my night sweats in their tracks. Bamboo viscose is my go-to: It’s a breathable and cool-to-the-touch material for summer sleepwear, with the bonus of feeling buttery soft against the skin. This set has the same fabric composition and style as my (and Oprah’s!) favorite Cozy Earth pajamas, but for a fraction of the price.
Score More Summer Pajamas
Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Pajama Set
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Hanes Comfywear Pajamas
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Filterbuy Indoor Air Filter, Pack of 4
$30 at Amazon
To ensure my air conditioning runs as efficiently and effectively as possible, I change out the indoor air filters regularly so that no dust or debris blocks the precious chilled air from circulating. This pack is available in dozens of sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your vent, and it includes four filters that last 90 days each, according to the brand.
More Air Filter Replacements at Amazon
Amazon Basics Merv 8 Air Filters, Pack of 6
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Aerostar Merv 11 HVAC Filter, Set of 6 $39 at Amazon |
Wiholl 2-Piece Lounge Set
$25 $15 at Amazon
When it’s too hot to put together an outfit, I reach for my collection of trusty matching sets. This style includes drawstring shorts and a short-sleeved top; both are made from breathable and nonrestrictive fabric that’s ideal for working from home or running errands.
Shop More Summer Matching Sets
Lillisory 2-Piece Summer Matching Set $29 at Amazon |
Lomon Cotton Tank Top and Shorts Set $30 at Amazon |
Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker, $70 with coupon
$90 $70 at Amazon
I have a cold beverage in hand at all times during the summer months, starting with my morning iced coffee, and including, but not limited to post-workout electrolytes, plenty of water, and the occasional Dr. Pepper. That said, I go through a lot of ice in an effort to stay cool, so this summer, I’m hoping to upgrade my setup with this countertop ice maker that churns out up to 26 pounds of frozen water every day.
More Essentials for Ice-Cold Drinks
Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle $30 at Amazon |
Yeti Rambler Colster Can Insulator $25 at Amazon |
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