Dog Days of Summer are Upon us, and Walter wants you to keep your cool! Here are our 5 Best Ways to Beat The Heat:
1. Fans of the fan!
Circulating air is one of the best ways to cool off. Creating a breeze, multiple fans can help stave off the sweat. If you are bringing out the box or rotating fan, position them away from objects, do not plug into extension cords for a prolonged period of time, and make sure the cords are not put under carpets where they can become a fire hazard. Box fans can be positioned in a window as well, blowing outside to pull warm internal air out of the house. Or try this trick-put a bowl of ice in front of your fan (fan facing in the house), and the resulting breeze will feel even cooler.
2. Blinds Closed, Lights Off!
Although your neighbors will suspect you are out of town, living like a hermit may benefit you in the short term. Sunlight, and light from bulbs can make your home warmer, even after sunset. Window treatments can help insulate your home against outside hot air.
3. LED Lighting: Bright Light, Less Heat.
If you must turn on the lights-we get it you have to see after dark– do what many are doing throughout the region and switch to LED bulbs. The emit far less heat than their incandescent predecessors. Still have sticker shock with the bulbs? Know they last 15x longer than incandescent so you will change them less. And, they use 70-90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Right now major retailers like Costco and Home Depot are offering immediate Light Fixture Discounts if you make the switch.
4. Bathroom Fans
Turn on bathroom vents or fans when showering: This will help in eliminating any residual heat and humidity from your shower. Moving air will help dry you and your bathroom.
5. Curtail Appliance Use
Rethink using appliances which heat things up–dishwashers, dryers, etc., or just use them at night after you go to bed. Order out or use the grill instead of the oven or stove top to cook.
Stay safe neighbors. Drink plenty of water. Stay out of the sun, hit the pools if you can. If you need a heat reprieve, you can dial 311 within Baltimore City during Code Red Heat Alert Days to for a cooling center nearest you.