SmartHomeOwners

When the heat of the summer arrives, we all rush to the air conditioner thermostat to cool our homes.  But what if for some reason your air unit breaks during the hottest days?  What if the repair man can't get there on the same day?  Perhaps it will take you a few weeks to be able to finance a new unit.  Whatever the case, here are some tips to stay cool in summer without A/C.

Plan Activities for Cool Times

If you're typically home all day with kids, plan all physical activities for the cool times of the day.  Rise early when the house is still cool and make your kids do the same.  If they want to play outdoors or indoors, early morning or late evening are the best times for doing so.  Also, try to do your house chores, cooking, etc. during the cooler times.  If you must wash clothes, wash in cold water only and use the dryer only late at night or very early.  Or consider hanging your clothes out to dry and avoid using the dryer all together.  Turn the "heating" cycle off for your dishwasher as well - this can put lots of heat back into the home!

Cold Food and Drink

Keep plenty of cold foods on hand such as sandwich bread and meats, fresh fruit, popsicles, etc.  Also, buy bottled water so you'll always have cold water on hand.  Opt for water instead of soft drinks or any sugary drinks as these will only make you feel worse in heat.  Buy watermelon and cantaloupe, slice them up and refrigerate in bowls or baggies so you'll always have a cool snack!

Window and Fan Solutions

During the daytime hours, keep windows closed and pull the shades or cover with dark sheets to keep sunlight out.  During night, open the windows and place fans in front of them to draw in the cool night air.  This can help you and your family enjoy more comfortable sleep at night.  During the day, move fans to areas that will draw the coolest air.  If you have a basement door and your basement is usually cool, then open that door and place a large fan in front of it to draw cool air from below.  Also, check all ceiling fans to be sure they are set to the "cool" mode and turn them on the fast speed.

Dress Wisely

Wear loose-fitting, thin cotton clothing to keep your body cool and comfortable.  Choose light colors and avoid wearing sweaters, jeans or tight clothing.  Kick your shoes off to keep your feet cool.

More Tips

Leave your home during the hottest part of the day and go to an air conditioned store or library, or even to visit a friend or relative.  You'll also be able to enjoy your car A/C for a while!  When evening thunderstorms pop up, take your family outdoors to sit and enjoy the cool storm breezes as it approaches (but not during lightning storms, of course).  Enjoy summer water games with the kids in the pool, or under the water hose or sprinkler to cool off.  Turn off lights in the house during the day or anything that generates heat.  Switch light bulbs to the compact florescent bulbs to save energy and reduce heat.

Although nothing will be as cool as having air conditioning, you can keep the effects of heat to a minimum.  Use these ideas to survive during those hot days with no A/C.