But running an air conditioner at full blast to combat the heat can be very expensive, and for those of us on a budget, the resulting bill can be crippling.

So what can you do when the heat is on, while still maintaining a reasonable electric bill? These simple tips can help you keep your cool on even the hottest day.

Avoid heating up your house.
Many of the things that we do without thinking are unconsciously adding 5-10 degrees of heat to an already uncomfortably warm house. In the hottest part of the year, I avoid running certain appliances. Some folks say to run those heat-creating appliances at night, but I depend on the cool nighttime temperatures to bring my home down to a comfortable level for the next day.

In the summer, avoid or limit your use of the following:

Dryer: Make use of the hot sun and hang your laundry outside. Not only will you have fresh, clean-smelling laundry that no dryer sheet can top, but it's also free and it won't warm up your house! If you have a small yard, look at one of those space-saving umbrella style clotheslines. If you live in an apartment, grab some of those inexpensive drying racks – they will fit on a balcony and fold right up for easy storage when they aren't in use.
Washer: Washing machines can also generate a great deal of heat and humidity, particularly if you wash your clothing in hot water. If at all possible, wash your laundry in cold water during the hottest parts of the year.
Oven: Rely on outdoor cooking methods,(solar cookers or barbecues) or if that isn't an option, use your slow cooker.
Dishwasher:  Think about how hot the dishes are if you reach in the second the dishwasher is finished running to grab a plate. Now, consider how much heat that adds to your house! It is much more efficient to wash your dishes by hand in the summer. A sink full of soapy water and one full of rinse water will add far fewer degrees to the temperature of your house. (Rinse water does not have to be hot, either.)
Lighting: Some bulbs, particularly halogen bulbs, generate a great deal of heat. If a lightbulb is hot to the touch, it's adding to the temperature of your house. Look into LED bulbs or compact fluorescents to keep your home cooler.