Utility Bills Rise Along with Temperatures… Save on Medical Costs by Preventing Heat Stroke! Get Through the Extreme Heat “Inexpensively” with “Midsummer Money-Saving Tips”

In April of this year, the Japan Meteorological Agency decided to designate days with maximum temperatures of 40°C or higher as “extreme heat days.” Temperatures exceeding 40°C are becoming the norm in Japan during the summer, and as the heat intensifies, utility bills continue to rise.So, what steps can you take to get through this year’s extreme heat safely and affordably? Below, we’ll introduce “midsummer money-saving tips” you can put into practice right away, along with a list of suggestions.

[Click here for Part 1] Put These into Practice Right Away! “Midsummer Money-Saving Tips” to Get Through the Heat “Inexpensively” by Revising How You Use Your Appliances

Use Peppermint Oil for a Cooling Sensation

Many people opt for just a shower instead of a bath when it’s too hot, and in that case, ⑲ switching to a water-saving showerhead is one option. If it has a button on the handle, you can turn off the water frequently to keep your water bill down.

“Compared to winter, fewer people want to soak in the tub for a long time in the summer. You might consider ㉙ lowering the bath’s set temperature or ㉚ turning the water flow dial down one notch. Both measures will help save on gas and water bills.

“Also, depending on the model, if the temperature setting is set to ‘Auto,’ the reheating function will automatically activate whenever the water temperature in the tub drops. Since this alone increases gas and electricity costs, ㉛you might want to turn off the water heating system when you’re not using the bath,” (ibid.)

Savings advisor Yuki Wada shares a special tip for cooling off while taking a bath.

“㉜ It’s a good idea to add one or two drops of peppermint oil to the bath. This is a plant-based oil extracted from dried mint, and its components help lower your perceived body temperature. Not only is it cheaper than bath salts, but it also eliminates the need to crank up the air conditioner after your bath.
The toilet is the second-biggest water consumer after the bath. ㊲ If you make a conscious effort to use the separate flush levers or buttons for ‘number one’ and ‘number two,’ you can save over 10 liters per day.”

Heat Relief Centers

Once you’ve successfully cut down on utility bills at home, the next step is to focus on saving money when you’re out and about.

“The most important money-saving tip is to ㊶not skimp on heatstroke prevention. If you endure the heat and end up getting sick, your medical bills will skyrocket. To stay healthy, make use of ㊷cooling undergarments like UNIQLO’s ‘AIRism’ or clothing made from linen.It’s also important to carry a water bottle with you. It’s a waste of money to buy bottled drinks costing 150 yen or more every time you need to rehydrate,” says Mr. Ido (mentioned earlier).

When temperatures exceed 35°C, the risk of heatstroke rises dramatically. However, if you seek refuge in cafes or restaurants every time this happens, your unnecessary expenses will only increase…

“Make use of cooling shelters. These are free heat-relief facilities designated by local governments, such as community centers and libraries. You can check the Ministry of the Environment’s website to find facilities in your area.

I recommend ㊼ cooling off at a library. Not only can you read full-length newspapers there, but depending on the municipality, you may also find free water dispensers or enjoy watching DVDs in the digital corner.” (Mr. Wada, cited earlier)

㊾ It’s also a good idea to adopt a morning routine and increase your activities during the cooler hours of the morning.

“Try out the money-saving tips we’ve covered so far, and if you still have some leeway, ㊿ consider lowering the amperage of your electricity plan. You could reduce your monthly base fee by several hundred yen,” (Mr. Ido, mentioned earlier)

If you select the “midsummer money-saving tips” that work best for you, saving tens of thousands of yen over the course of a single summer is not out of the question. Let’s get through the sweltering heat “on a budget” while taking care of our health.

From the August 7 & 14, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*