Summertime means lots of time spent with family and friends, lazy days at home, outdoor adventures, and fun vacations. However, summertime also means oppressive heat and lots of sweat. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to stay cool this summer and beat the heat.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Staying out of the sun isn’t always avoidable, but if you have to go outside in the hottest parts of the day, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, cover your head with a hat, and regularly reapply sunscreen. When outside, try to stay in the shade.
Get Wet
One of the most effective ways to stay cool during the summer is to get wet! Heat escapes the body through the skin, so the cooler you can get your skin, the better you’ll feel. Going for a dip in the pool, taking a cool shower, or running around in the sprinklers are all ways you can beat the heat.
If these options are not available, don’t fear! Try putting your hands and feet in cold water or putting cold towels on these areas. Wrists and ankles have lots of blood vessels that are close to the skin, and keeping these areas cool will help cool down the rest of your body.
You can also put a wet T-shirt or socks in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then put them on. You may feel silly, but it will help you cool down.
Stay Hydrated
In addition to staying cool by getting wet, it’s important to drink enough water so that you stay hydrated. As you sweat, your body’s store of liquids is depleted and you can become dehydrated, making you feel even hotter. You need to replenish these liquids by drinking plenty of water or eating foods with a high water content such as cucumbers, celery, strawberries, and watermelon.
The symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth, and headaches. In addition to drinking lots of water, you can prevent dehydration by avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
If you’re sweating, it can also be helpful to drink beverages with electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals such as potassium and sodium that your body needs to function properly. You lose these minerals in your perspiration, so it’s important to replenish them whenever you sweat.
Limit Physical Activity
Try to limit physical activities to the early morning and evening, which are the cooler parts of the day. It can be dangerous to exercise in the midday heat due to the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and overexertion.
As you exercise, make sure you bring plenty of water and take breaks to make sure your body isn’t experiencing too much stress.
Consider Your Environment
It may be tempting to open the windows during the day to get some fresh air, but doing so will only let hot air into your home and won’t actually help you stay cool. Instead, keep your curtains or blinds closed to insulate your home against the outdoor heat. You may want to try blackout curtains since they offer enhanced insulation.
If you are able to, spend more time in the basement or lower level of your home. Hot air rises, which makes the higher floors of your home the hottest, so if you’re trying to beat the heat, it’s best to go downstairs.
If you live in a humid climate, getting a dehumidifier can make a big difference in helping you feel cooler and more comfortable. You may also want to consider switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. LED light bulbs produce less heat than incandescent bulbs, so making the switch will reduce the overall level of heat in your home.
Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced by R&D Heating and Air
One of the best ways to stay cool is to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. If you’ve noticed that the air coming out of your vents isn’t as cold as it used to be or the air isn’t blowing as forcefully, it may be time for a tune-up or repair. Have the experts at R&D Heating and Air inspect your HVAC system and make any necessary adjustments. Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your air conditioner in good working condition so you don’t overheat during the hotter months. Request a service or call us today for all your HVAC needs!