Essential Gear to Keep You Cool During a Heatwave

When there’s a heatwave in the forecast, there’s no reason to break a sweat. With the right gear, you can deal with the blazing sun. Keep reading to learn what essential gear to have on hand to stay cool in the heat.

Staying cool inside.

One of the most obvious solutions to staying cool during a heatwave is to take refuge indoors. If you’re wondering how to cool down a room quickly, the first step is to make sure all the windows are closed before turning on the air conditioning. Not only does this keep the cool air in and the hot air out, but it uses less energy which means lower utility bills. You can also set your air conditioning thermostat to a higher temperature so that you’re comfortable but not bleeding money.

If you don’t have central air installed, there are several other air conditioner options. You can choose from an in-wall air conditioner that is hard-wired into your home’s electrical system, keeping in mind that this might require the assistance of a licensed handyman. To avoid the additional expense of professional services, you can opt for a window AC unit which can be easily installed by yourself. However, you would need to buy a separate window unit for each room that you want to keep cool.

Fortunately, there’s a more cost-effective solution for lowering the temps inside. A portable air conditioner can be conveniently wheeled from room to room.

Another alternative that uses less energy – and therefore is more sustainable – is an evaporative cooler. This device has a tank where water is kept and a fan that wafts moist air through the room. When the sun goes down at night and the outdoor temps cool, you can save energy by placing a fan near an open window to circulate air.

Stay cool while you sleep.

Since you spend at least eight hours of each day in bed, it’s also important to stay cool when you’re sleeping. Instead of regular bedding, opt for mattress toppers made out of cooling gel foam and sheets that wick away moisture. Not only will these materials help keep you cool, but they’ll also lead to a better night’s sleep because your body temperature lowers. When combined with the other room-cooling devices mentioned above, you’ll be as cool as a cucumber under the covers.

Find relief from the inside out.

After you’ve cooled down the rooms in your home, you can go a step further by cooling down from the inside out with frozen treats, like homemade ice cream. You don’t need to make a run to the store when you have your own ice cream maker at home. You can make several batches and store them in your freezer to enjoy for the entire hot spell.

If sweets aren’t your thing, you can always pour yourself a cool drink over ice from your ice maker. Another option is to reach into your beverage fridge and choose your favorite chilled refreshment. Lowering your internal temperature with any of these options will help keep you cool and comfortable until the heatwave passes.

Cool off outdoors.

Just because it’s blazing hot outdoors, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside to get relief. Having a swimming pool in your backyard to plunge into is the perfect escape from the relentless heat. Another simple delight that’s easy to set up in your yard is a sprinkler. Kids of all ages can spend hours running through the streams of cold water. Plus, your thirsty grass gets watered at the same time.

Be prepared for heat related illnesses.

Even with all the precautions to stay cool from the heat, it’s wise to be on the lookout for heat related illnesses. Monitor your health with devices like thermometers to check rising temperatures. Watch for heat rash on the skin and apply cool compresses as needed. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated by keeping your water bottle filled up.

Now that you know how to stay cool in the heat, you’ll be better prepared to ensure your health and wellness. With knowing how to cool down a room and staying cool outside using the essential gear mentioned above, you’ll breeze through smoothly to more accommodating weather.