Is the sweltering summer weather getting you down? Follow these tips to stay cool and beat the heat:
Cover windows:
Cover windows to keep sunlight out and the temperature down. Curtains and blinds can reduce heat coming into your home by as much as 45 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Dehumidify:
Excess humidity in the air can make any environment feel warm, sticky and unpleasant, no matter the temperature. Invest in a dehumidifier to bring down moisture content. This may also dramatically improve your allergy and asthma symptoms by cutting mildew, mold and dust mite activity. You might also want to use a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels in your home.
Head to the basement:
If you have a basement, try spending more time down there during the dog days of summer. Temperatures are often lower in underground rooms.
Hydrate:
Cold, icy drinks can help you feel cooler and protect you from the dangers of dehydration.
Spray yourself:
There's a reason elephants use their trunks to spritz themselves with water during hot days! Steal their trick by keeping a spray bottle of water in the refrigerator, and mist your face, neck and shoulders when you feel overheated.
"It's all about thermal regulation," elephant expert John Lehnhardt told Real Simple magazine. "As the water evaporates, it cools you."
Alternatively, try running ice water over your wrists to lower your body temperature.
Turn off the lights:
Turning off lights can help keep a space cool in addition to saving energy and cutting down your electricity bill.
Visit the Allergy Be Gone website to see even more tools for surviving the sweltering summer months!
