If You Can’t Stand The Heat…Make it Cooler

As the dog days of summer creep in, you should be aware of the many ways to keep cool in the sweltering heat.

Care For Your AC

Keep window air conditioning and outdoor central air units free of debris: vines, leaves, etc
Change and clean your air conditioner filters on a regular basis.
Simply turn your air conditioner off when you’re not using it.

Don’t “Freeze Up” When Managing Electrical Services

Keep an eye out for hourly pricing programs, where you will be billed for the electricty you use, based on hourly market prices.
Peak-demand rationing gives you a discount for allowing the utility to “turn off” your air conditioning for short durations.
Bill averaging gives you a statement that is the same every month, allowing you to spread out costs, throughout the year.

It’s Cool to Reduce Your Cooling Needs

Awnings can be used to block the hot sunlight in the summer, and some even retract in the winter.
Keep drapes and shades closed during the day.
Plant leafy trees that shade the house in summer, but that allow sunlight in the winter. Most deciduous trees are an appropriate choice.
Have an electrician install an attic ventilation fan, so that hot air will drift away from the living areas in your home.
Add a special film to south-facing windows to reduce heat and protect your home decor from the harmful effects of the sun.
Try not to use the stove and oven.
Use florescent lighting instead of incandescent light. They keep you cooler and save energy, as well.
Use ceiling and floor fans to help with your bodies natural cooling ability.
Trying eat spicy foods, which increase your perspiration, to cool off your body.
Make sure to drink lots of water.
Take a cool shower. It will be a great relief from the heat, and will last about an hour.
Avoid clothing that traps heat inside your body: socks, heavy shoes, hats, and synthetic materials.

When the heat wave rolls into town, you’ll be a little better off knowing that there are simple things you can do to keep a few degrees cooler.

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