Staying Cool When the Temperatures Are Too Hot to Handle

man in white t-shirt drinks bottle of waterIf you’ve spent a few summers in Georgia, you know that the heat and humidity are often at their peak during the dog days of August. When it gets hot outside, it can be hard to stay cool – sometimes even with air conditioning. Of course, an AC system that’s in good working condition can help you stay much cooler, but on occasion, you’ll need to take a few extra measures to stay cool and comfortable.

Fortunately, when Mother Nature cranks up the heat there are many things you can do to help stay cool. In this article, we’ll give you seven tips to help you stay cool when the heat index is high, and how Empire can help you. Keep reading to learn more!

7 Tips to Help You Stay Cool During High Heat

Don’t let the hot temperatures get you down – follow the tips below to help you stay comfortable when the heat is at its worst.

  • Wear lightweight, natural fabrics in light colors. Synthetic fabrics often contain plastic polymers, which can hold in the heat and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Fabrics made from cotton and linen are far more breathable, and lighter color fabrics reflect the heat rather than drawing it in.
  • Drink plenty of water. Water is your friend when Mother Nature cranks up the heat. You’re sweating more, which means your body can become dehydrated quickly. You should, however, avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can act as a diuretic and remove water from your body.
  • Close blinds and curtains when the sun is at its peak. The sun pouring into your home can be beautiful, but not so much during extremely hot weather. It can heat your home up and cause your AC system to have to work harder. Keeping curtains and blinds closed during hot spells can help keep your home cooler.
  • If possible, avoid outdoor activities at peak heat times. Outdoor temperatures are usually at their peak around 3 p.m. Try to avoid outdoor activities such as sports, gardening, or yardwork during these times, if possible, as you can quickly become overheated on hot, humid days.
  • Take a cool shower or bath. If you are feeling particularly hot, sticky, or just generally overheated, pop into the bathroom for a quick cool shower or bath. If you don’t have enough time for a cool-down in the tub, soak a washcloth in cold water and press it to your forehead and neck.
  • Don’t use heat-producing appliances. Using your stove or oven on very hot days isn’t advisable because it adds to the overall temperature of your home and that can force your AC system to work harder. The good news is, this means you have a great excuse to order takeout from your favorite restaurant or try that slow-cooker recipe you found on Facebook!
  • Make sure your AC system is working properly. Of course, one of the best ways to combat heat is by making good use of your air conditioning system. You can help ensure that your system is ready to beat the heat by getting proper maintenance annually, and by calling for service at the first sign of trouble.

If you need help with your air conditioning system, you can count on Empire.

At Empire, we want you to be as comfortable as possible, no matter how hot it might get outside. When you need air conditioning repair or maintenance, or if you need a brand-new system installed, you can rely on Empire Heating & Air Conditioning to help. We are pleased to offer professional air conditioning repair services that will help you and your family stay comfortable all summer long, no matter how hot it gets outside. Call us at 404-294-0900 or contact us online today!