It’s August, and this summer has been a hot one so far. Between the heat and high humidity levels, our air conditioners have been working hard to keep us and our homes at a comfortable temperature. But, we all have days where we’d like to save money and energy by finding alternative ways to stay cool without overworking our AC.
In this blog, we’ll be sharing a few tips and tricks to stay cool this summer without using your AC. We understand that most days we do need our AC running, but it never hurts to try other ways to cool down on the days where it’s not as hot.
Fans are Your Friend
Ceiling fan, exhaust fan, box fan, you name it! On days where you don’t want your AC running, utilize your fans. Keep in mind that since fans move air instead of cooling it, placement is crucial. With box fans, it’s important to find the coolest part of your house and angle the fan towards the warmer area of your house. Ceiling fans should be rotating counter-clockwise to push the air straight down.
Close the Curtains and Blinds
During the hottest hours of the day, shut your curtains and blinds to prevent any extra sunlight from beaming into your home. We all love natural light, but those sun rays in the middle of the day are strong and will only make the temperature in your house rise.
Open the Windows at Night
When the temperature drops at night, humidity levels aren’t as high and there’s often a nice breeze that can feel quite refreshing. If you’re someone who loves the feeling of fresh air, open your windows before you go to bed to create a nice breeze throughout your home.
Do Your Chores During the Cooler Parts of the Day
Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers all produce heat due to the hot water that’s being used when the units are running. During the summer, laundry day should be early in the morning or later at night when the sun goes down. That way, you aren’t adding extra heat to your home when the temperatures outside are already blazing.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated, especially during the summer, is key to keeping your body cool. If you’re feeling warm and uncomfortable, drink a glass of water. When your body needs to cool itself, it needs moisture in order to do so.
Take a Cold Shower or Use a Cold Washcloth
Taking a quick cold body shower or putting a cold washcloth on your wrists will instantly make your body feel like it’s cooling itself down. On warmer days where you just can’t seem to get comfortable temperature wise, try this quick step. It will make a huge difference.
Swap Out Your Sheets
Ditch the flannel sheets and put some breathable cotton linens on your bed for summer. Cotton is a lighter material and will help you sleep cooler at night, rather than a thicker linen that you will feel sticking to your skin throughout the night.
Treat Yourself to Some Frozen Dessert!
There’s nothing like a good ice cream cone on a hot summer day and there’s no harm in treating yourself every once in a while. Whether it’s ice cream, a popsicle, or frozen yogurt from your local shop, enjoying one of these treats will help cool you down, even if it’s just for the moment. Just be careful if you’re someone who needs to watch their sugar intake!
If you rely heavily on your AC and these tips aren’t doing the job for you, let our team at Carter Comfort Systems know if you need AC repairs! We understand how important a working AC is, especially during the warmest months of the year, and everyone should feel comfortable in their home. Give us a call today at (208) 739-4181 or fill out our online contact form for more information!