During the cold winter months, individuals often forget about how hot the summer can get. While staying cool in the summer is partially about staying comfortable and sweat-free, it is also about staying healthy since high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and other issues. Now is the time to start preparing for how one’s family will survive the blazing heat of summer.
Cool off the Bedroom
Many can get through a hot day just fine, but when it comes to sleeping in a heat-filled room, most cannot stand the discomfort. Consider adding light and heat-blocking draperies to keep the sun out of the room during the day. Keeping cotton sheets in the freezer and putting them on right before bedtime can also provide a cooling experience. Choose pillows with stay-cool technology.
Get the AC Going
The best time to ensure that one’s air conditioning unit is working is in the late spring before the hot weather hits. Once the heat arrives, technicians will be overbooked and unable to fit others into their schedules. Professionals, like those at All American Air & Electric, Inc., know that while central air conditioning is by far the best option, investing in a portable unit for the bedrooms or living room can also help keep families cool.
Eat Cool
Stay away from hot soups, roasts, and casseroles during the summer. Not only do these heat up the kitchen and make the home difficult to cool, but also they create heat as they are eaten. Summer is a great time to keep the heat outside by grilling, or choosing to eat cooler foods, such as pasta and fruit salads, fruit popsicles, and raw veggies.
Improve the Closet
Clothes have a great deal to do with how cool one feels. Wearing natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, will allow the skin to breathe. Individuals should also choose loose-fitting clothes, wear wide-brimmed hats while outside and choose lighter-colored clothing. Clothes may need to be washed more frequently in the summer than in the winter.
Families can stay cool throughout the summer by following some of these simple steps. Even those who do not have air conditioning can improve the feeling in their homes by investing in some fans and making subtle changes to their clothing and diets. However, families should beware of very hot temperatures that can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion and to head to another home or business that has air conditioning if they do not have access to a unit on very hot days.