5 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer
It’s August in Georgia, and while the summer is winding down, the temperature is climbing up. The heat and humidity can be uncomfortable this time of year, but it can also be dangerous, especially for young children, senior citizens, and people with medical conditions. You can reduce your risk of heat related illness by taking some preventative measures, like keeping strenuous activity to a minimum, limiting time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, and wearing cooler fabrics. But beyond the basics, you may need to take some extra steps to stay healthy while the weather is at its hottest.
1 – Stay Hydrated
It may sound cliche, but it’s important to stay hydrated, even if you aren’t over exerting in the extreme heat. Normally, we’d say drink when you’re thirsty, but with record high heat waves, dehydration can sneak up fast. Your best bet is drinking before you feel thirst, and try to avoid alcohol or caffeine, as these can actually cause you to lose water faster. Plain water is best for staying well hydrated.
2 – Use Your Stove and Oven Sparingly
To keep your home cooler and take some pressure off your HVAC system, avoid using your stove and oven during the hottest parts of the day. If you need to cook, match the size of your pan to the burner so the heat is warming up your food and not the rest of your house. Similarly, if you absolutely need to use the oven, avoid opening the door to keep the heat contained for as long as possible. Or, use the heat as an excuse to avoid cooking entirely and just order pizza!
3 – Check up on Your Neighbors
When it really starts to heat up, check in on friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly or in poor health. Extreme heat and humidity can be particularly hard on vulnerable populations who are more at risk of heat stroke. Reach out and make sure their air conditioner is turned on and tuned up. Leave your number if you haven’t already, and insist they call if they need anything to safely get through the heat wave.
4 – Use Fans!
Fans won’t actually cool the air, but they can keep cool air circulating throughout your home and make you feel cooler. Ceiling fans should be running counter clockwise in the summer to push the rising warm air down and create a breeze to evaporate moisture from skin. Keep windows, doors, and blinds closed, and pull the curtains to better insulate against the sun and make your fans more efficient.
5 – Use Your AC System!
According to the CDC, “air conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness or death.” If your HVAC system is struggling to keep up in the heat, you may need a tune up, or a more efficient system. Modern AC systems like the Daikin LIFE are groundbreaking products in the HVAC industry. A single outdoor unit can connect to multiple indoor units, giving you the option to cool one room in your home separately from the rest. This can be great for areas like sun rooms and basements which may stay hotter or cooler than the rest of the house.
It’s officially the dog days of summer, but there’s no need to sweat like one. At Empire HVAC, we have 34 years of experience with the installation, maintenance, and repair of all types of HVAC systems. If you need residential or commercial air conditioning service, Empire HVAC can keep you cool all summer long. Schedule a service with your local Atlanta HVAC company today! 404-294-0900
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta HVAC Services
How often should I schedule an HVAC service?
It’s recommended that you get your units scheduled for inspection and maintenance twice a year. Before summer and winter is probably the best time, before the hard weather hits and your HVAC has to really kick into gear.
How much is an HVAC service call?
It’s only $89.00 for one of our technicians to come and check out your HVAC system. If additional services are needed, the technician will discuss them with you and get your approval before beginning any repairs.