7 Ways to Keep Cool This Summer

Trying to keep cool as the summer heat makes its way to the Sacramento area? We don’t blame you. If you don’t have air conditioning, this is a good time to call Contact Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning for new air conditioner installation. But if you’re trying to use your AC a bit less to save energy, what else can you do to keep hot summer days more bearable?

Use a Cooling Blanket

A new trend, cooling blankets are often weighted – which many people say helps them sleep better, and can be a help with stress, anxiety, and insomnia – and can help regulate temperature when it’s hot. They don’t come cheap, but they’re definitely easier than another common hot weather tips we’ve seen, which is to keep your sheets in the freezer.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are great year ’round to circulate air and keep your indoor temperature regulated. In the summertime, the fan should be running counterclockwise at higher speed so it’s blowing down on you and helping you feel cooler.

Stay Hydrated…

Water is a key body temperature regulator. If you’re dehydrated, you’re going to feel parched and hot. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and if you’re active during the day, replace some of the electrolytes you’re sweating out with a low-sugar sports drink, supplement, or fruits like bananas that have potassium and other key minerals.

…But Avoid the Ice Cream

If you’re going to rely on food to cool you down, ice cream isn’t the way to go. Its higher fat content means your body is working harder on digestion and heating you up. Switch to Italian ice, sorbet, or gelato instead, or better still, opt for fresh fruits and veggies with a high water content.

Try Spicy Foods

If you’ve got an adventurous palate, stock up on the spicy foods. A vindaloo, curry, or a nice molé can get you sweating without raising your body temperature; that, in turn, cools you off. Conversely, mint – especially in the form of mint tea – can trick your body into thinking and feeling cooler than it is.

Stick to Natural Fabrics

Whether it’s your bedding or what’s going on your body, avoid synthetics at this time of year. They don’t breathe as well as natural fabrics like linen and cotton, so you’ll feel hotter, especially outdoors or when you’re trying to sleep.

Turn Your Air Conditioning Up

Yes, we know. You’d rather the AC was set to 67 degrees. You don’t live in an igloo or a shopping mall, however, so set your air conditioner higher, to about 78 degrees. When there’s less of a contrast between indoor and outdoor temperature, you don’t feel the heat quite as much, and you’ll use the AC less.

Two thoughts in closing. First, if you have central air and haven’t had an air conditioning tune-up in a while, it’s not too late to call Ace Plumbing. Second, if you have elderly neighbors or family members, check in on them – especially if there’s a heat wave. We want everyone, whether they’re customers or not, to be comfortable and safe this summer, so look out for one another!