As the summer heat draws on, you may find yourself looking for ways to keep cool in your home. While we all love the summer, the heat can be unbearable – but whether you have an air conditioning system or not, there is a lot you can do to beat the heat this summer.
Whether you don’t own an air conditioner, your air conditioner is broken, or you are simply looking to supplement your hardworking air conditioner, consider making a DIY version! Place a bowl of ice below a table fan so as the cool, evaporated air rises, it is blown by the fan creating a cool wind.
A similar technique can be used by hanging a damp sheet by an open window. Air will blow in from outside and is cooled by the evaporating water.
You can purchase a portable air conditioner and install it in your home to help in the cooling process. It will provide immediate relief from the heat but will, unfortunately, add to your electric costs and only cool the room it’s in or a couple of rooms nearby.
There are a lot of heat sources within your home. The main culprits are the various appliances you employ including your oven, dishwasher, clothes dryer, computers, and other technology.
Instead of cooking hot foods, consider making a cool salad. Instead of dryer your clothes and dishes with an appliance, resort to air drying. The more appliances that you can go without, the less heat will be produced in your home.
Never underestimate the power of a little water to cool your body. Taking a cold shower and staying hydrated will go a long way in reducing your body temperature. This simple fix can help keep you comfortable, even in the middle of the day. Even a small spritz of water or a pack of ice on the temperature-sensitive parts of your body can do the trick.
Humidity in your home will make the heat feel even more intense. A simple adjustment is to avoid hot showers or invest in a small dehumidifier – you will undoubtedly feel the difference in temperature with less moisture in the air.
Creating a draft in your home is a great way to reduce the temperature. If it’s not too humid outside, open up your winds for increased air circulation. Combine this tip with the DIY air conditioners discussed above for impressive results.
Ceiling fans and small portable fans are great at reducing the heat in your home. If you place a portable fan by an open window (when it’s not too hot outside, like at night for example), the fan will suck out the hot, internal air and blow in the cool outside air.
If you are lucky enough to have a fully functioning air conditioner, the summer heat will have it working almost 24/7. You can guess or may already know that this will show itself on your monthly electric bill, so it is always a good idea to invest in a smart thermostat to ensure optimal temperatures.
A heat wave is not something to take lightly. If you find that your home is becoming unbearably hot, always look after your personal health first. Read our advice on what to do during a heat wave.
Are you in need of more personalized help or advice for beating the heat this summer in your home? If you are in the Central Pennsylvania area – call WM Buffington! Our team of trained professionals can help through every step in the process and deliver the perfect solution.
