Summer is in full swing, and that means the Carolinas are getting hot, hot, hot! As temperatures soar, many people are looking for ways to stay cool without cranking the air conditioning up to full blast all day. Whether you’re indoors or out – or a combination of both – there are some simple ways to keep yourself cooler.
1. Turn on your ceiling fans. Make sure the blades are set to spin counterclockwise, so they create a downward draft and keep the air in the room moving. Stagnant air can make you feel warmer. You can also use smaller fans to create a cross-breeze. This can be especially helpful if you have the windows open at night once the sun goes down.
2. Get out early. If you are spending time outside, try to venture out earlier in the morning before the sun has had time to drive the temperature up. Late afternoon tends to be the hottest part of the day. If you can, break up your day with time spent indoors in the air conditioning so you can cool off.
3. Cover up. During the daytime, keeping the windows and blinds closed can keep some of the heat of the sun out and make rooms feel cooler. If you’re outside, set up an umbrella or sit under the shade of the trees to block yourself from being in the direct sunlight. Wear lightweight clothing so you’re not trapping the heat in non-breathable fabric but are still protecting your skin – and use sunscreen too!
4. Splash around. Beat the heat by cooling off in the water. If you feel comfortable, you can see if you can reserve a spot at your community pool if it is open or take a dip in your own pool if you have one. Even a small baby pool or wading pool can be enough to take the edge off of the heat. No pool access? Turn on the sprinkler or use water straight from the hose. Your kids can have fun spraying one another and getting wet. Just make sure you check the temperature of the water when it first comes out of the hose because any water left sitting in the hose could be hot from the sun.
5. Enjoy some cool treats. Have plenty of fresh, cold water available to drink and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help your body to naturally cool itself down. Flavor it with fresh herbs or fruit for an extra kick. You can also make popsicles or have some ice cream as a refreshing treat. When planning meals, try to pick options that don’t involve the oven, such as sandwiches and salads. The heat from the oven can increase the temperature in your house.
Make the most of this summer by staying cool and mixing up activities to be a combination of indoors and outdoors as the weather allows. You can also check with your HOA to see if they have anything planned. Kuester can assist HOAs in communicating with homeowners and updating them on any changes within the association, such as access to amenities. Contact us today to learn more!
