Sometimes the heat is just unbearable! When we are going through a heat wave in the height of summer, it can be impossible to sleep or get comfortable. We seem to spend every spare second in the shower rinsing of the sweat and trying to keep cool. Occasionally it gets so hot we feel ill with it and can’t even function anymore. Getting anything done around the house is impossible.
There are several things you can try to keep cool when it is unbearably hot. Cold showers are great when you have the time and budget to cover the costs of the water! Ice-cold drinks are also helpful. You can make plenty of ice cubes and add them to virtually any drink you can imagine. They can also be crushed up to make snow cones. Try freezing favourite juices in icicle molds to make a great treat.
Of course, these are all temporary solutions and don’t go very far when you are trying to get to sleep at night. Things need to change within the house to keep the ambient temperature down, so we don’t have to keep getting up for ice drinks or cold showers. A reasonably easy DIY job is to install ceiling fans in your bedroom. This is more energy efficient and marginally quieter than using a standing or desk fan. It stirs the air just enough to make it feel like it is cooler.
Other ideas you can try include installing blackout blinds or curtains to keep the sun out of the room. Shutters on the outside can work even better for this purpose. By keeping the sun off the windows, less heat will be transferred inside. You could also have air conditioning installed. This is one of the most expensive options but if you are suffering unpleasant heat almost every year, it may be essential. If you are spending the money on air conditioning, make sure you pick a company with 247 air conditioning service provided.
Another DIY project you could take on is to install a screen door. They allow you to have the main door of the house open, but supply a screen against insects. They provide a degree of privacy to prevent you being seen from the street. Screen doors can also be locked to stop people wandering in, although it would be unwise to leave your main door open if you are in a vulnerable neighborhood or if you are out. Place a screen door at the front and back doors so air can circulate through the house and create a nice through breeze.
Sometimes the heat outside is far in excess of the temperature inside, so you may not want to open the windows. You could have reflective glass panels installed although these are not cheap. They reflect the light and the heat away from the windows. Swap carpets for hard floors to keep cool. You can always buy a rug for the colder months. Always stay hydrated when the weather is hot by drinking plenty of water.
BDST: 1701 HRS, MAR 19, 2015
