How to Beat the Heat at Home
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States felt its fourth warmest summer on record in 2010. Temperatures nationwide averaged 75 degrees in August 2010, 2.2 degrees above the normal average. Whether you live in a location that meets that average or one that steams up to triple digits, you can beat the heat and stay cool and comfortable when the mercury starts rising.
Things You'll Need
- Air conditioning
- Fans
- Bowls of ice
- Hose
- Sprinkler
- Sunscreen
- Ice cubes
- Sandwich bags
- Light cloth
- Light clothes
- Shade trees
Instructions
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Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, around 75 degrees, if you are lucky enough to have central air conditioning. Be mindful that the lower you set the thermostat, the higher your electric bill will be. Purchase a window unit, if you do not have central air. Place the window unit in a bedroom so you can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. Add additional units in windows throughout the house if your budget allows.
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2
Place fans throughout the house and open the windows if you are not using air conditioning. Set bowls of ice in front of the fans if you live in a dry climate. If the inside temperature is hotter than the outside air, place fans in the window to draw the cooler air in.
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Attach a sprinkler head to your hose and set it in a shaded area of your lawn. Run through the sprinklers, just like you did as a child during those hot summer days. Or, place a chair near the mist of the sprinkler and recline for some cool-off time.
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4
Fill sandwich bags with ice cubes and cover the bags with a light cloth. Place one ice pack behind your neck and use the other ice packs on various parts of your body such as your forehead, feet, chest and arms.
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5
Wear as little clothing as possible to help stay cool at home. A light tank top and shorts should be enough to keep you covered yet comfortable.
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6
Plant shade trees in your yard to plan for future hot summers. Once the trees have matured, they can be used as a relaxing spot to beat the heat during warm temperatures.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
