Beat the Heat: Tips to Keep You & Your Home Cool in Hot Weather
Regardless of where you live in the United States, you’re bound to experience some hot and steamy days during the summer months. Fortunately, for many of us, some chilled air conditioning and a refreshing cold beverage can relieve many of those hot spells and offer us relief.
But what happens when extreme weather hits? We’re talking days of endless sweaty, stifling heat. If you’ve ever experienced a lengthy heatwave, or if you’ve had your cooling unit break down in the middle of a steamy summer, you know how serious those hot temperatures can be!
To help prevent your home (and you) from overheating this summer, we’re offering some cool tips that can really help you chill out.
Stay Cool During a Heatwave
Heatwaves are longer spells of extreme weather that last for a few days and often hit temperatures over 90 degrees. And when they happen, you need to be super careful. Here’s how to handle these scorching summer days and stay cool in the process.
Inside Your Home…
There are several things you can do inside your home to keep cool in hot weather.
1. Utilize ceiling fans
Set ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer. This direction pushes cooler air straight down into your living space and results in a cooling effect. Also, keep fans on low, rather than high speed for the best result.
2. Block out the sun
Keep blinds closed to keep the sun’s rays out of your living space. Investing in thermal curtains to prevent heat from reaching your room is also a great idea.
3. Consider window tinting
If you find yourself experiencing heatwave year after year, you might consider window tinting to block out the heat. In fact, some solar tints can block up to 99% of ultraviolet rays.
4. Always schedule an AC tune-up
To avoid a system breakdown, it’s a good idea to schedule your annual AC tune-up each spring. According to the Indoor Air Quality Association, regular tune-ups can reduce the risk of HVAC breakdowns by up to 95%.
5. Seal doors and windows
Do an inspection of doors and windows. Seal any gaps you might find to prevent air loss.
6. Create your own air conditioning
If the worst happens and your cooling unit zonks, try this until you can get a repair scheduled: Fill a large bowl with ice and position a desk fan behind it. Turn the fan on and enjoy some makeshift air conditioning!
Know the Symptoms of Heat Illnesses
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two serious health conditions [BD1] [MB2] brought on by hot weather. Here’s what you need to know about both.
Heat Stroke
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High body temperature, usually over 103 degrees
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Red, hot, dry skin that doesn’t sweat
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Rapid pulse
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Dizziness
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*You should call 911 ASAP and cool down the person with ice packs.
Heat Exhaustion
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Muscle cramping
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Pale skin
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Headache
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Fainting
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Excessive sweating
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Nausea or vomiting
*If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, get them to a cool location, remove their excess clothing, give them a sports drink or water to sip, and call a doctor quickly.
Additional Guidelines
Here are a few more ideas to keep in mind when that sweltering heat takes over:
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Stay well-hydrated.
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Wear loose, cotton clothing.
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Take cool showers or baths.
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If outdoors, sit in the shade.
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Never leave pets out in the heat.
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Avoid exercising in the midday heat.
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Check on elderly family and neighbors.
Best Way to Beat the Heat? Call ARS Today!
If you do experience a faulty cooling system due to extreme heat, ARS can help. Call us for air conditioning repairs, AC maintenance, and any emergency HVAC service when your home is affected be weather-related issues. We are available seven days a week and can easily return that chilled relief to your home quickly, efficiently, and on a budget that’s fair. Call 866.399.2885 to schedule your appointment.
