Summer can be fun but not when it’s too hot for the body to function properly. Research says that temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to your health causing heat stroke and in some cases, death. Since the temperatures in many states have gone as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s good reason to find out how you can cool down easily at home.
10 Ways To Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning
1. Keep The Sun Out
Sunlight can heat up the inside of your house if you let it in. The best way to combat this is to keep your curtains or blinds closed. This is especially important if the windows face the sun’s direction.
2. Use Box Fans
Box fans are a great way to circulate cool air into the room you’re in. Ideally, the fan should be close to a window when the temperature is cooler so you can benefit from the cool air. As an added bonus, experts recommend placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool you down.
3. Get In The Shower
Taking regular showers or baths throughout the day is a good way to bring your core temperature down. This will help if you suspect that you’re developing a heat stroke.
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4. Use Cold Rags
Since you can’t stay in the shower all day, placing cold rags or ice packs on your extremities can keep you cool too. If you opt for ice packs, don’t place them directly on your skin they can cause cold damage.
5. Get Hot Air Out
If you have exhaust fans, it pays to use them. It’s just as important to get hot air out as it is to get cold air in.
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6. Close Off Unused Rooms
When you’re trying to cool things down, it doesn’t make sense to cool the rooms you’re not using. Closing those doors will increase the likelihood of keeping the temperature down where you are.
7. Dress Lightly
It’s a good idea to wear and sleep in light clothing that will help air circulate around your body. Try to be as comfortable as possible.
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8. Try The Basement
In many cases, the basement is the coolest part of the house during the day. If you don’t have a basement, find out which room is the coolest in your home and spend more time there.
9. Turn Off Appliances
You shouldn’t forget that there are heat sources inside your home as well. The experts recommend turning off any appliances or lights that aren’t in use. Using energy-efficient lightbulbs helps too because they don’t generate as much heat.
10. Let Cool Air In
You can take advantage of the cooler times of day by opening the windows to let the cool air in. If you have fans, it’s a good way to get rid of the hot air in the house.
While you’re cooling off, don’t forget to stay hydrated as well. It’s easy to lose track of how much water you’ve lost through sweating and many people don’t notice that they’re dehydrated until it’s too late.
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Are You Vulnerable To The Heat?
Not everyone has the same level of heat tolerance. Those who are vulnerable to extreme heat may need to take extra precautions to cool down. It also means that they may need to start cooling down long before other people start being affected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you’re a vulnerable person if you’re an older adult, pregnant, have a disability, or live with a chronic illness. Children and those who must spend more than an hour at a time outdoors will also be vulnerable. It’s important to note that you need to be cautious with your pets as well. The extreme heat can affect them quickly.
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How You Can Afford Air Conditioning
There are a few options available for you depending on your circumstances and location. Some states offer an energy-saving incentive program that’s geared towards helping residents afford air conditioning equipment that won’t cause their utility bills to skyrocket. Some manufacturers can also have rebates and incentives that can help you. If you’re an older adult with a low income, the United States Department of Agriculture has a program that can help with air conditioning expenses. You should also check with your local health authorities if there are any programs that can assist those with disabilities. Finally, the government has grants available for active and retired members of the military that you should check out.
Being exposed to high temperatures consistently can make you sick or worse. That’s why it pays to stay cool any way you can. If it’s just not enough, it’s time for you to check out the financial assistance programs for air conditioning units in your state.
