When you go to the beach or pool this summer, sunscreen is a must-have item. But leaving a bottle exposed to the sun can make it useless; high heat can kill the active ingredients in sunscreen, making your lotion worthless. To keep your sunscreen active, try placing it somewhere cool, like a cooler with ice. Or fill a reusable cup with cold water and place the bottle inside. And when you get home from a day of fun in the sun, store the sunscreen in a cool, dark place.

On a hot summer day, it's best to try to park your car in a shaded spot. But if this isn't possible, be sure to take with you or store personal electronics. Exposure to intense heat from the sun's rays can quickly deteriorate the lifespan of electronic items like smartphones and GPS devices. Unplug the items and place them inside glove compartments if you're away from the car for a short period of time; if you're gone for an extended time, bring them with you. Doing this one simple trick will help prolong the lifespan of these electronics.

In the hot summer months, sometimes a portable air conditioner is necessary to keep rooms habitable. If you use a window air conditioning unit, be sure to choose a window that's shaded or north-facing. Doing this helps the unit draw in cooler air, which means it uses less energy to blow cool air into your home. And avoid having direct sunlight on it or placing it near heat-generating items like televisions and lamps with incandescent lightbulbs. Anything that produces heat can make the air conditioner work harder.