A Guide... - #812.1

Day 812.1

A Guide To Dealing With Heat When You Have No A/C

1. Turn out overhead lights whenever possible. The small amount of extra heat generated by lightbulbs adds up.

2. Avoid running desktop computers when possible & use laptops or tablets if possible. Sleep mode or off is best for desktops in the heat. Screensaver a still use processor power & generates nearly as much heat as a desktop in operation. TVs and other large electronics produce similar heat so the same applies to them. Take the time to read a book. It doesn't require any electricity and won't generate any additional heat. A running television or desktop computer can add up to 5 degrees to a room. 

3. Open windows & run fans. Airflow is important. And if nothing else, moving in fresh air is key. Stagnant air maintains heat while moving air disperses it. Make sure ceiling fans are pulling cold air up rather than attempting to push the hot air down. And make sure that your fans are not working against each other. Direct airflow in the same direction within the house. 

4. Wear thin, lightweight clothing. Preferably natural fibers that breathe.

5. When indoors & moving outdoors is not possible, the lower the elevation in your home, the better. Cooler air falls. Your first floors & basements tend to be the coolest portions of your owner. Upper floors will remain the warmest even with proper ventilation & fans. 

6. Regularly dump any dehumidifiers that you may have. Humidity increases the intensity of heat & dehumidifiers help to pull moisture out of the air to minimize this effect. It also serves to help maintain airflow inside the home.

When doing all of these things, you can cool a room or home by a few important degrees. And if necessary, take quick cold showers from time to time to help cool your body temperature. 

I wrote this because my AC went out& I haven't been able to get it replaced yet. I figured that it'll happen to others too. Some people may not know how to deal with it or have never had to deal with it. And it's a friendly reminder as well.

Feel free to add your own suggestions & tricks that you've found to reduce the effect of oppressive heat.