Anna Maria Richards
When the summer heat rolls around, we all tend to retreat indoors for the hottest parts of the day in an attempt to stay cool. Of course, as much as we want it to, our home sometimes fails to give us the cool, refreshing environment we expect. To help you keep your home comfortable this summer, follow these tips.
Breathe Fresh Air
Fresh, clean air is very important to our health and wellness, but when the summer heat has you closing all the windows, it can easily get pretty hot and stuffy. The trick is to run an air conditioning unit with a good air filter. This will allow you to enjoy fresh air without heat building up. Keep windows closed, and use fans to push fresh air around the home.
If you keep the air filters clean, your air conditioner will do wonders for not only cooling your home but also dehumidifying it. This will make your home feel cooler, too, and help prevent the buildup of mold spores, mildew, and germs. Jones Climate Control discusses the importance of indoor air quality.
Close the Curtains
While you’re at it, you can also help improve your home’s climate by keeping blinds closed. This will prevent excessive sunlight (and its heat) from getting into the home. Of course, don’t live in the dark! Open west-facing window blinds in the morning where the sun is the softest, and open east-facing window blinds in the evening as the sun moves overhead. This will keep your home well-lit without heating it up.
If you have windows that allow direct sunlight to shine in for hours, it may be worth investing in blackout curtains, which not only block the harsh sunlight but also help insulate the window from air leaks.
Opt for Water-Rich Foods
Image via Flickr by andrewmalone
Staying hydrated is another huge factor in keeping healthy during the hotter months. That’s why, in addition to drinking plenty of water, you should also opt for foods that have a lot of water in them. Think watermelons, apples, and other juicy foods. You can also use this time to take advantage of all the delicious produce in season and make smoothies a daily habit. It will be good for your health, and it will keep you cool, too!
While popping open a soda can seem awfully tempting, remember that the high-sodium and sugar content can actually dehydrate you, so make sure you’re enjoying them as a treat and not as a source of all-important hydration.
Properly maintaining your HVAC system and following other tips and best practices is essential to staying healthy and comfortable all summer long. With this advice, you should be able to keep your home welcoming and refreshing, even on the hottest of days.
