THE summer heat is in full swing, but you don’t need to break the bank to cool off this hot season.
You can beat the heat with seven free and cheap places to cool off.
Americans can keep cool this summer without draining their wallets[/caption]
In the summertime, which lasts through late September, the demand for air conditioning surges, leading to higher energy consumption and spiked electricity costs.
Americans shell out anywhere from $100 to $500 or more a month running their AC units depending on the state they live in and how hot it gets, as well as the size of their home.
This summer, the average electricity price from June to September is projected to reach $784 – the highest cost of electricity in at least 12 years – per a recent report from National Energy Assistance Directors Association, or NEADA.
Rising energy costs are hitting low-income households the hardest, with an increasing number of households becoming unable to pay their energy bills.
From April 2023 to April 2024, the percentage of these households who could not afford their electricity for at least one month jumped from 34.6% to 36.8%, per the most recent Census Household Pulse Survey.
Over 21 million households across the country, or one out of six, are behind on their energy bills, per NEADA estimates.
These families are at risk of having their electricity shut off, leaving them vulnerable to extreme heat in the summer, which is responsible for more deaths annually than any other weather-related hazard, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.
Summer Protections by State
In 2025, just 17 states and Washington DC offer Americans protections from having their electricity shut off if they are behind on utility payments:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Washington DC
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Source: NEADA
If you don’t have air conditioning or are looking to cut down on your cooling costs, there are plenty of ways to keep cool this summer without watching your money go down the drain.
1. COOLING CENTER
There are a number of air-conditioned spaces called cooling centers across the US that offer a safe, cool environment during times of extreme heat, especially heat waves.
These centers help to prevent heat-related illnesses and often welcome pets as well.
They are often located in facilities such as libraries, community centers, schools, senior centers, and other public buildings.
Americans can check the National Center for Healthy Housing to find a nearby cooling center or dial 211 in most states to be connected with heat relief resources.
2. POOL
Swimming is an ideal and affordable way to beat the heat this summer.
Americans can visit their city or county website to search for free or discounted community pools, splash pads, or water parks.
Lakes or beaches at a local state park are also a great way to take off the edge.
Low-cost tips to stay cool this summer
- Close the curtains during daylight hours
- Change the filters on your AC unit and ensure it is operating as efficiently as possible
- Run the blades of your fan counterclockwise to push the cold air downward
- Avoid using appliances like your oven, dishwasher, or dryer, which emit heat when in use
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes indoors
- Sleep with sheets instead of heavy blankets
- Drink lots of water and use ice to lower your body temperature
Source: AARP
3. MALL
There are plenty of malls scattered across the country, offering up a vast expanse of indoor AC to help keep you cool.
You can grab a snack at the food court, enjoy some free Wi-Fi, and lounge around in the cool indoors.
4. HOUSESIT
If you’re hesitant to bump up the AC at your own home, you can keep cool at a stranger, neighbor, friend, or family member’s place by house sitting.
In addition to beating the heat this summer, house sitting is a great way to bring in some extra cash.
5. MOVIES
The movies are a great place to sit back, relax, and keep cool.
Although hitting up the movie theater is not free, shoppers can score cheap tickets by taking advantage of discounts and promotions, such as Discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays or senior, student, or military discounts.
Theater loyalty programs often provide great discounts as do discount movie theaters or second-run theaters, and cheap tickets are often available for matinees.
Americans can bump up their time in the cool, dark theaters by showing up an hour early and sitting through the credits.
6. LIBRARIES OR MUSEUMS
Libraries are community spaces that offer not only a great pastime, but also free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Museums are also an ideal space to cool down this summer, with plenty of them offering free or discounted entry during the summer.
7. COFFEE SHOP
Your local coffee shop is another great place to hit up this summer if you’re hesitant to crank up your air conditioning.
Consumers can grab an ice water or cold drink at the coffee shop and sip on it slowly while catching up on work, reading, or chatting with friends, making it a great and affordable way to keep cool.
Check out the five simple mistakes costing you hundreds on your energy bill – just grab aluminum foil, water, and ice, an HVAC expert said.
Plus, see why your air conditioner may be banned soon – exactly what to know about the killer refrigerant you must ditch now.
Energy bills are expected to reach an average of $784 this summer[/caption]
