It’s 81 and sunny outside, but I’m feeling quite cozy in my apartment, even though it’s 4 p.m. - the hottest part of the day.

During the week I’ve learned some more heat-reducing tips that I think will help save me and my cat from heat stroke this summer. They are:

1. Close those gaps: Inspect all your windows and doors for cracks that could let cool air out and hot air in. I found a gap in one of my windows, where the upper pane and the lower pane meet, so now when I close that window I shove some insulating tubing in there to stop up the hole. Use similar techniques for door frames and other areas of unintended ventilation.
2. If you can’t take the heat…: What’s the difference between a stove and a space heater? Aside from their intended uses, not much. Stoves, like space heaters, will heat the heck out of a room. So try to stick to fast-cooking meals and meals that require only one burner to cook. And if you’re using the oven, open the door as infrequently as possible. Even better, eat raw meals or grill outside. This will add no heat to your home.
3. Those hot, steamy showers create a hot, steamy room. So switch to lukewarm water. And if you blow-dry your hair, turn the heat down to warm.
4. Turn it off: Lights, appliances, your computer… they all release heat. So if you’re not using them, turn them off.

After making these little changes, I’ve become more confident that I can make it through the summer with no air conditioning. Wohoo! If this works, I’ll save at least a few hundred bucks - money I can apply to much more important (or, maybe, fingers crossed, more fun) purposes.