When our bodies are exposed to extreme temperatures and absorb too much heat, we become more prone to exhaustion and heat stroke. To avoid possible long-term consequences that lead to disease it is crucial to know how to keep yourself cool.
In general, going to a pool or seeking air-conditioned public facilities is a great way to circumvent high temperatures during the summer months. But at this point of the pandemic that might not be an ideal solution. However, there are other ways to feel comfortable without running the air conditioning at full blast.
We have collected 10 tips for cooling your body and buffering your house from the outside heat. So that you will be able to enjoy the summer without suffering through the heat.
Stay cool!
Cooling Tips
Keeping your blinds closed, especially on north and west-facing windows, significantly helps to cool your home. By blocking the sunlight out you can save up to 10-15% on your cooling costs.
Most warm days end in cooler nights. Take advantage and open up some windows to let the fresh breeze in and cool the air.
There are things you can do to ensure you’re keeping yourself as chilled as possible. Try using a damp cloth to cool your body, such as your head and neck. Sipping icy-cold drinks helps too.
If you must use your air-conditioner, set the thermostat to between 24-27°C, or as high as you feel comfortable with. Increasing your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce the running cost of your appliance by about 10%.
Try choosing fabrics like cotton and other breathable material that help cool your body. Make sure to wear light-coloured, loose clothing to keep your body cool and to fit your bed sheets with cotton sheets.
You don’t have an air condition? No worries! All you need is a bowl of ice and place it in front of a fan for an icy-cool breeze to keep you cool.
When it gets cooler in the evening try to open your home up to cool it naturally. Make the most of a cool breeze when you can and seek the open, like a park.
Switching to energy-saving bulbs can help cool your home and save on energy costs. Give it a try, that’s a win win!
Turning on the oven heats up your apartment. Instead of meals that require your oven, try to focus on cooling summer salads or even look into a slow cooker which can cook your food without all the extra heat.
Make sure to close the doors to rooms you aren’t using to keep cool air where you need it most. Seal gaps around doors and windows to ensure the cool air can’t escape.