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When summer heat waves roll in, one of the most common solutions is to turn on the air conditioning. However, not every household has AC, and funding is a financial commitment. It may not even be possible if you’re off the grid.
Preppers are applauded for being ready for almost any disaster, and there are many ways to cope without an AC unit. Here are some helpful ways to beat the heat.
1. Stay Out of the Summer Sun
Sweltering days are unbearable when you’re outside. Outdoor workers and athletes are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses than those working indoors since they’re more exposed. Thus, the best way to beat the heat is to stay indoors instead.
If you must go outside, seek shade. You can also bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly if you’ll be out for an extended period.
2. Cover the Windows With Foil
Some people like to open their windows for better ventilation. However, if you’re hesitant to do this for safety reasons, the next best thing is to cover the windows with aluminum foil. Make sure the shinier side faces the outside when taping it on.
Foil-covered windows can look odd, but they can cool down the home. The material reflects sunshine and thwarts heat, making your house more comfortable. It’s best to couple this with other cooling solutions for optimal comfort.
3. Install Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan is more cost-effective than air conditioning. It circulates air and improves your household’s ventilation. Prioritize your most frequently used rooms, such as the bedroom and living room.
Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise at the fastest speed possible. This shift can invite a cooler breeze throughout the space compared to other settings and will help you get a better night’s sleep.
4. Hydrate as Much as Possible
One of the most important elements for surviving summer warmth is hydration. Not drinking enough water leads to heat exhaustion in a few hours. Make sure to drink regularly throughout the day.
It helps to have access to cold water, which is much more refreshing than consuming it lukewarm. Keep it in a flask if you’ll be far from the fridge.
5. Focus on Meal Prepping
There’s no better time to practice meal prepping than summertime. Cooking can generate plenty of heat, so you’ll want to get everything done in one go. That way, you don’t have to use too many appliances throughout the week.
Plan meals you can grill outside to keep your indoors free from rising temperatures. Afterward, divide and refrigerate your food. Use a microwave to reheat it, which keeps the kitchen cooler than a cooktop or oven.
You can also prepare frozen treats to enjoy throughout the day. Cold snacks like Jell-O or popsicles are refreshing ways to beat the heat.
6. Unplug and Turn Off Lights and Appliances
Kitchen appliances aren’t the only devices that can generate heat. Washers and dryers do so when cleaning your clothes. Preppers should unplug them if they aren’t in use.
Turn off the lights during the day. A regular incandescent bulb transforms electricity into heat to illuminate a space, and shutting it off avoids this.
You can also upgrade your lighting fixtures if you have the means to do so. LEDs produce less heat than regular bulbs.
7. Take a Cold Shower
When heat waves become unbearable, hop into the shower and let the cold water pour over you. You can also take a bath to immerse yourself in cold water. Bathing is a perfect alternative to going to a public pool.
Of course, you can’t stay in the bathroom forever. As an alternative, use ice bags on your body, including your neck and wrists. Just remember to use them in moderation to avoid getting an ice burn.
The ice bag method is also much better than directly freezing your clothes or undergarments, as some people suggest. You should be able to remove the cold source with ease, especially if it’s starting to feel too chilly.
8. Use Breathable Fabrics
Change up your bedding and blankets. Linens are breathable and durable, offering moisture-wicking effects since the fabric is derived from flax plants. You can also utilize cotton if you want a smoother feel, though they may have a shorter life span.
Consider the fabric and style of your clothes. Avoid wearing long sleeves and pants made of wool or thicker material. Instead, crack out the shorts, tank tops and muscle shirts.
9. Rearrange Your Space
Having too many belongings in one space makes it harder for air to flow. Consider rearranging your household to address the summer heat. Space out bigger pieces of furniture like sofas, tables and bookshelves.
If certain areas of your home, like your bedroom, feel too hot, don’t confine yourself there. Bring your mattress onto the floor of your living room. You can also set up sleeping quarters in a basement or bunker, which are cooler at night.
Conquer the Summer Heat Without AC
There are many ways to cool down, even if you have limited resources within reach. Preppers need patience and creative strategies to achieve a more bearable temperature in their homes. These strategies are well worth the effort and will help keep you comfortable in the summer heat.
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