Every summer we are faced with a big heat wave, if not a few. And if you’re not careful, your health can be put at risk. As the heat and humidity rise, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in causing dizziness, fainting, and even stroke or death in extreme cases. Plus, extreme temperatures can really affect your mood, leaving you feeling agitated and just downright uncomfortable. Before the heat sets in you should brush up on the different ways that you can stay cool and relaxed. Here we outline some tips on how to find comfort in the summer heat wave.
Close Up During High Heat
If you close your doors, windows, and curtains during the hottest part of the day, it will help to keep your house cooler on the inside. Also, by turning on your ceiling fans, the cool air will have better movement throughout your home. Just make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counter clockwise to get that cooling effect.
Open Up During Cooler Hours
Vice-versa, you should open the house up as much as possible in the late afternoon and throughout the night into the early morning. This way you can take advantage of the cooler air outside when temperatures fall overnight – this will reduce the heat inside your house and in turn, keep you more comfortable.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Pay attention to your home’s insulation. The better the insulation, the more effective it will be at stopping unwanted heat from entering your house. Upgrade your windows, weather-stripping, and doors to ones with a better energy efficiency rating to stay cool.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
You can save a little money on hydro costs and keep comfortable by using a programmable thermostat and running your A/C at a low temperature throughout the day. This can also reduce the costs of your electricity that you otherwise spend by turning the A/C on and off as the heat rises midday.
Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances
The oven, dishwasher, and dryer all produce heat when they operate. So avoid using heat generating appliances if you can or until after the sun goes down.
Keep Hydrated
Even if you’re feeling okay, you can be dehydrated without really noticing. Drink plenty of cold drinks like water and fruit juices throughout the day, while avoiding drinks that are high in caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
Check Your A/C Unit
And last but certainly not least, make sure your A/C unit is in good working order before the summer hits. Each year you should schedule an air conditioner inspection by a qualified HVAC technician before the high heat hits. The last thing you need is to be stuck with is a broken unit right during the middle of a heat wave.
Stay cool and comfortable when the summer heat waves kick. Follow the above tips and reach out to the cooling pros at Advanced HVAC professional who can assess the systems that control the air and help keep you cool all summer long.
If your A/C is on the fritz this summer, call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 613.833.9963!
