The Dog Days of summer are officially upon us, and we are
all in search of ways to beat the heat. Nearly 85% of American homes and
apartments (including those at WoodsEdge) are air conditioned, but those of us
who lack the luxury or are simply looking for a way to reduce our energy use
are constantly looking for ways to cool off that don’t involve an air
conditioner. Below, find a list of the
most effective ways to stay comfortable until autumn without touching your AC.
1. Cool Down Your Bed Before Tucking In
Those of us who know
the struggle of trying to get comfortable enough to sleep in extreme heat will
appreciate this tip! Store a rice bag or a water bottle in your freezer during
the day. About a half an hour before bed, take it out and wrap it in a plastic
bag, and tuck it underneath the covers. You will remain cool enough to drift
off to sleep comfortably.
2 2. Use Fans Properly
Fans can provide a
welcome breeze on a stifling summer day, but if they aren’t used properly, they
can actually make your efforts to cool down more difficult. Be sure that your
ceiling fans are spinning in the right direction, so that they are circulating
air down instead of pulling it up. At night, placing one fan facing in to your
home and another facing out through an opposite window will create a wind
tunnel effect that will dramatically cool down your home.
3 3. Eat Cold Foods and Stay Hydrated
Soaring temperatures
can sometimes reduce our appetites, but eating the right foods can help to keep
us hydrated and a little bit cooler. Snacking on foods such as watermelon,
popsicles, salads and gazpacho will not only be refreshing, but will also
reduce your need to turn on your oven or stove, which adds to an already warm
environment. Drinking ice water or other
cool drinks will help you to restore fluid lost while sweating in the heat, and
will help you maintain a safe body temperature.
4 4. Take a Cool Shower
Standing under a
stream of cold or cool water will reduce your core body temperature and help
you remain more comfortable. Even a quick rinse will make a difference. As an
added bonus, you’ll feel better after rinsing off that sticky summer residue
caused by sweat and salt.
5 5. Turn Off the Lights and Unused Appliances
Leaving extra lights
turned on can make more of a difference in the temperature of your home than
you may realize. Only turn on lights that you absolutely need in order to
prevent excess heat from accumulating. Additionally, all those extras that are
sometimes left in the outlets (phone chargers, DVD and BlueRay players,
toasters, etc.) can make an impact on both the temperature and your energy
bill. Unplug anything you’re not using, and you’ll feel the difference.
6 6. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Natural fabrics,
such as cotton, allow the skin to breath more freely and don’t trap heat
against your skin as many other synthetic fabrics do. Skip your clingier
clothing during warmer months, as well. The tighter the fit
