Beat the Heat: The Carroll Awning Guide to Staying Cool this Summer
Posted on Monday, July 25th, 2016 at 7:12 pm.
It’s hot outside! Here are some ways you can stay cool without cranking up the air conditioning.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the Baltimore-Washington region today, so we can expect to experience some extraordinarily hot days this summer. And while air-conditioning might be a silver bullet when it comes staying cool, run-away energy bills will leave anyone reluctant to turn it on. Fortunately, there are quite a few natural ways to cool down without the need for powering up the AC.
Keep Hydrated
On hot summer days you should expect to consume as much as 6-12 ounces of water every 15 minutes. Proper hydration helps your body move blood to the surface and allow you to seat more easily. Avoid caffeinated beverages as they will not supply proper hydration. Sports drink, on the other hand, are great for retaining water and helpful minerals in your body.
Wear the Right Clothes
Light-colored clothing and hats will reflect light away from your body. Darker colors will absorb and trap light in, causing your body temperature to rise. Lightweight fabrics, such as cotton or silk, are also the best choice when you’re trying to stay cool. Of course, when it’s hot you can also opt to wear loose-fitting and minimal clothing that’s breathable.
Expand Your Fan Base
Moving air will help sweat evaporate faster. There are many places in your home where you may have overlooked the need for a fan. The basement entrance, for example, will allow you to pull cool air from downstairs into the living space of your first floor. Still, it’s important to remember that fans stop being effective when the heat index reaches 99 degrees fahrenheit, so they aren’t a cure-all when it comes to replacing your air conditioning unit.
Shield Windows
Did you know that as much as 40% of your home’s heat comes in through windows, especially those facing east and west. Curtains, shades, blinds, and heat-controlled window films are great solutions for blocking out the sun. You would be surprised just how much a little shade can do to make your home more comfortable.
Stay in the Shade
The most obvious solution to staying cool while still enjoying the warmth that summer has to offer, is to find some shade. Planting a tree or installing a new landscape feature can add some shade to your home, but these projects take a lot of time and planning. A summer awning is a great way to stay cool and save big on energy. Stylish poolside awnings can afford you summer the summer comfort you’ve been looking for.
Summer Awnings from Carroll Awning Company
Ready to enjoy the summer breeze beneath your awning? The Carroll Awning Company provides the best quality, energy-efficient canopies, awnings, Sunesta shelters, and frames for any business, restaurant, home, or apartment. We design, create, and install custom-created canopies and awnings all year round!
For a free estimate, call 1-800-999-5617 or click here to contact us online. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn. 1