Try these strategies to help you stay cool during a heat wave.
Open windows when the temperature drops.
Keep your windows closed during the day, when the air is hottest.
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Exhaust out the hot air.
Chill the air with a DIY air conditioner.
Run a ceiling fan.
Just double-check your fan is set with the blades running counterclockwise for cooling.
(You’ll want to set them running clockwise in the winter to help circulate warm air.)
A nice cold shower or bathor heading somewhere with air conditioning.
Use a dehumidifier.
High humidity can make your home or room feel extra hot and stuffy.
It can also prevent your sweat from evaporating, which means it keeps you from regulating your body temperature.
To help kick that unwanted moisture to the curb, bring inquality dehumidifier.
Close your drapes or blinds.
Sunlight in your home is a major source of heatso close up those drapes.
Add a window film.
These allow sun to flow into your home (yay, natural light!)
but reflect a lot of the heat away from your home.
They also work in the winter by providing an extra layer of insulation.
Keep the stove turned off.
A hot stove will (obviously) heat up your home, too.
So go ahead and try someno-cook recipesthat’ll cool you offand avoid adding additional heat to your kitchen.
(And if you have to cook?
Considerfiring up the grillinstead to preserve the chill in your home.)
Turn off (and unplug) unnecessary appliances.
Turn offor better yet, unpluganything that isn’t necessary.
Add some shade outside your home.
Awnings and shade trees can help block the sun from entering your windowsand keep your rooms feeling cooler.
Window awnings can reduce the amount of solar heat in your house by up to 65%.
shut the doors to unused rooms.
Close gaps around your doors and windows.
It’s a small change that can make a big impact.
Energy efficient lighting like LED or CFL bulbs produce far less heatandlast a whole lot longer.
Tips to Sleep Better in the Heat
Sometimes the heat is just inescapable.
But, getting a good night’s sleep on hot and steamy nights isn’t impossible.
Invest in cooling sheets.
When looking for your perfect set, think about material.
Weave is important too and Percale is your best bet for for cotton sheets because it’s less dense.
Take a warm bath or shower before bed.
Cold showers, on the other hand, cause blood vessels to constrict, conserving body heat.
Cut out alcohol.
It’s a surprise to no one thatdrinking before bed is bad for.
your sleep, but did you know it can also cause hot flashes and night sweats?
On hot nights, you’re better off with water (and plenty of it!)
to replenish fluids lost to sweat.
Freeze your socks and pillowcases.
If you need a true cool-down when you climb into bed, this little trick works wonders.
Simple place your socks or pillowcases (or both!)
in the freezer an hour or so before bed.
Putting on frozen socks is the amped up equivalent of sticking one foot out of the covers.
Wear breathable materials.
There are also synthetic fabrics made specifically to cool you down, like Coolmax.
Get low.
As we all know, heat rises.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,Cooling your home with fans and ventilation.
Accessed March 30, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips for preventing heat-related illnesses.
