How to Beat the Heat Without A/C
Post Date: Aug 25, 2021
Preventative Care
When the heat of summer reaches new highs, it can feel impossible to find relief if you don’t have air conditioning (A/C). But there are a few strategies to try in your home to make the temperatures more bearable. If you’re worried about the heat having an impact on your health, know the signs of heatstroke and seek medical attention immediately if you recognize that you or someone around you might be suffering. Take these tips to heart and make your home more comfortable in high temperatures.
Stay Hydrated
To help avoid heat-related illness and keep you feeling fresh even as temperatures rise, it’s essential to stay hydrated. That means drinking water, but it’s also vital to get plenty of electrolytes too. If your diet restricts you from consuming some of the electrolyte supplements high in sodium or sugar, speak with your healthcare provider about tablets or other options to keep your body in good hydration.
Take a Cold Shower
One of the best ways to cool off is to get wet. Evaporative cooling, as the air moves across the water and evaporates it into the air for a chilling effect, has been a well-established cooling strategy for centuries. Shower away the sweat and grime of the day when you return home, and enjoy the chilly benefits too.
Be Strategic When Cooking
Though the kitchen can be the center of the home, it doesn’t always make sense to fire up the oven and stove indoors if you won’t be able to cool the house down afterward. Come up with some easy no-cook meal ideas, like sandwiches, salads, and wraps, and save the big cooking days for when it’s cooler.
Use Windows Wisely
An open window isn’t always a benefit during the hottest point of the day when temperatures outside can be higher than inside. Sometimes you’ll want to keep them closed during the midday heat, only opening things up in the cooler mornings and evenings. And the same goes for curtains: blocking out the sun and insulating against the outside air can help keep cool indoors.
Don’t Forget the Fans
Use fans strategically around your home to promote air circulation or to point a breeze directly at you. A box fan can suck cooler air in through a window or blow hotter air out of your home in the evening.
Cool Your Wrists and Neck
By applying a cool, wet washcloth to your wrists and neck, you can help lower your body temperature and find comfort even on hot days without air conditioning. You might want to keep a damp kerchief in the freezer for an extra dose of cold when you need it or apply an ice pack for a few moments too.
Wear Light, Loose Clothing
Tight, restrictive clothing can be hot and oppressive, keeping you from cooling off effectively. Stick to light, loose garments at home when you don’t have A/C, and promote airflow against your body and a relaxing feeling during the hottest days.
Be sure to keep yourself and your family healthy, no matter the weather. Connect with your nearest CHP clinic for an accessible and affordable appointment for more personalized guidance on your home health.