Sunny summer days are a treat, but they can also be a little overwhelming. With temperatures rising and not a cloud in sight, it’s clear that the dog days of summer are just around the corner. Not sure how to beat the heat this summer? Try these tips to cool down – and potentially reduce your electric bill in the process.
How to Beat the Heat This Summer
Dress for High Temps
When temperatures soar, dressing right is half the battle. If you prefer cotton, make sure to wear light-colored and loose garments instead of tight, restrictive options. Looser fabrics allow your sweat to evaporate more efficiently, keeping you cooler over time. You can also opt for synthetic fabrics that are specifically designed to wick away sweat. Originally marketed toward athletes, fabrics like Coolmax and Nano-Tex offer everyday wear to help you stay cool. Finally, kick off your shoes indoors. As the sweat on your feet evaporates, it helps cool your entire body over time.
Try a New Recipe
If the idea of firing up your oven is more than you can bear, it might be time to try a few fun new summer recipes. Soups, salads, and sandwiches are all great options for scorching days, and you can also use smaller electrical appliances like rice cookers or Instant Pots to supplement meals without heating up your entire kitchen.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day is one of the best ways to stay cool. As we sweat, we lose water and dehydrate our bodies. This causes our body temperature to rise – but replacing fluids can help. Just make sure to stick to water or sports drinks. Drinks that are heavy in alcohol, caffeine, or sugar can all be dehydrating. Want to take your hydration up a notch? Snack on hydrating foods like smoothies, fruits, and vegetables throughout the day.
Check Your A/C
If your home feels hotter or more humid than it should, it might be time to check your air conditioning unit. Start by cleaning or replacing your air conditioner filter, something you should do about once a month during the summer season. You can also hire a professional to check your air conditioning ducts for leaks, which can reduce your system’s efficiency. If you have a window unit, make sure to seal any cracks with peel-off caulk or a sealant strip. You should also check on any potential escape points for cool air. That includes fireplace dampers, windows, and doors.
Try a Fan
If all else fails, you may want to run a fan and air conditioner simultaneously. While your air conditioner’s job is to remove humidity from the air, your fan helps circulate the cool air and actively evaporate sweat. This moves heat away from your body while reducing expensive air conditioning bills.
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There’s no fun like summer fun. Still, soaring temperatures can be a bother, especially if you’re just trying to keep cool in your own home. Staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and double-checking your air conditioner are all great tactics if you’re not sure how to beat the heat this summer.
P.S. Be sure to check out our blog post The Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
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