25 Jul Surviving the Texas Heatwave Without Air Conditioning
Some may argue that it is impossible to be without air conditioning in Texas. Afterall it is not the Pacific Northwest where air conditioning units aren’t a standard commodity. In fact, more than 98 percent of homes in Texas have central air, according to census data. However, as air conditioning units age and struggle to work harder to cool, it may feel like you are experiencing the unbearable – surviving the Texas heatwave without air conditioning.
In that case, here are a few tips to help keep your family cool and comfortable during these hot summer days:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate you.
Close Curtains and Blinds: During the hottest parts of the day, keep curtains and blinds closed to block out the sun and prevent your living space from heating up too much.
Close Curtains and Blinds: During the hottest parts of the day, keep curtains and blinds closed to block out the sun and prevent your living space from heating up too much.
Create Cross-Ventilation: If possible, open windows on opposite sides of your home to allow cross-ventilation. This will help circulate the air and bring in cooler air from outside.
Create a DIY Air Conditioner: You can make a DIY air conditioner using a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles placed in front of a fan. The fan will blow cool air as the ice melts.
Take Cool Showers and Baths: Cooling yourself down with cold showers or baths can provide temporary relief from the heat.
Use Cool, Damp Towels: Apply cool, damp towels to your forehead, neck, and wrists to help lower your body temperature.
Stay in the Shade: If you need to go outside, try to stay in the shade as much as possible to avoid direct sunlight. Avoid Using
Heat-Producing Appliances: Minimize the use of ovens, stoves, and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for cold or room-temperature meals.
Wear Lightweight Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable clothing to keep yourself cool.
Create a Cooling Space: If you can, spend time in public places like libraries, shopping malls, or community centers that have air conditioning.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories. Be aware of the heatwave’s duration and severity to plan accordingly.
Sleep Comfortably: Use lightweight sheets and consider placing your bed near a window or fan to catch any breeze during the night.
Stay Relaxed and Rested: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day and take time to rest and relax.
Finally, let’s keep an eye out for one another. Check in on family members, friends, and neighbors, especially vulnerable individuals like the elderly, young children, or those with health issues. It’s important to remember during these hot summer days, it is our health that is the most crucial aspect to staying cool. If the heatwave becomes too severe or you start experiencing heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.
If your air conditioning unit isn’t blowing cool enough, forcing you to feel like you’re living without air conditioning all together, give us a call. We can send a technician out to perform a summer checkup to ensure your unit is working properly.