How to Stay Cool at Home during a Heat Wave 

We live on the Great Plains where extreme heat and extreme cold are common experiences. Extreme heat, especially in places that don’t experience it often, can be dangerous.   This is especially true for people with certain health conditions, the very young, the elderly and others.   Keeping cool takes on greater importance if you are responsible for someone else’s well being.  It is good to think about and learn or be reminded, of things we can do to make life bearable in extreme heat.   Knowledge and following through on that knowledge will let us provide better care during the stress of extreme heat or a loss of power in summer.

If you know about summer temps over 90, you may have some tips to share in the comments!

Making the most of air conditioning

• Program your thermostat to run less by increasing the air conditioner temperature a few degrees when you’re sleeping or away. This saves money while maintaining comfort when you are awake and need it.
• The ideal indoor temperature ranges between 74-78°F (23-26°C). On super hot days, you might be tempted to set your thermostat lower. However, dramatic temperature differences between outdoors and indoors stresses your body, especially if you are in and out.
• Aim for consistent, comfortable temperatures year round.  (And stay indoors as much as possible on the super hot days!)
• Clean or replace filters monthly to keep your AC running efficiently.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture, especially in damp areas like basements. Lower humidity makes rooms feel cooler. In areas of the country where humidity is a big issue, a small portable dehumidifier can be used in a room to keep everyone comfortable.
• Remember  hot air rises and cold air falls.  Consider moving to the basement which is usually the coolest spot in the house – but only if your person can navigate stairs safely and is willing to do change locations. If you have  second floor bedrooms, consider making temporary sleeping space on the first floor or in the basement.  
• If extreme heat is expected to last for a long period of time, consider buying a portable or window-mounted indoor air conditioning unit. If you live where heat is a recurring issue, it is definitely worth the investment and time to install  extra cooling where needed..
• Use natural light when possible. Turn off lights and other electronics. Close off rooms that are not being used to conserve cooler air for living and bedrooms.
• If cooling your entire home is challenging, focus on creating one cool room where you spend most of your time. Choose a room that:
  • Gets minimal direct sunlight
  • Has good air circulation
  • Is easy to access from other parts of your home
  • Has comfortable seating and room for activities

Using fans

• Use fans, but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90°F.  Fans create air flow which feels good — but they do not reduce body temperature.  In temperatures above 90°F, a fan can actually increase body temperature without you realizing it. .
• Use ceiling fans to create a “wind chill effect” – this can make a room feel 4°F cooler while using  less energy than air conditioning.   Remember to set fans counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down.
• Place box fans in open windows facing in during cooler morning hours to draw in fresh air.  Do the same thing with the fans reversed blowing outward when it is several degrees warmer in the house than outside – after a very hot afternoon for example.
• Place bowls of ice in front of portable fans to create a cooling breeze. This DIY air conditioner works well in small spaces. A wet pillowcase placed in front of a fan will help cooling and is helpful when experiencing dry heat.
• Place portable fans near your AC vents to help blow cool air into the room.
• Small clip-on fans work well for bedside tables or desk areas.   These take up less space but still provide good air movement where you need it most.
• Battery-powered fans are great for outdoor use or during power outages. Keep spare batteries on hand just in case you need them.

Windows

• Close windows and blinds before the day heats up to trap the cool air inside, especially on south and west-facing windows.  Even if you have air conditioning. 
• Use light-colored curtains or blinds to reflect heat away from windows.   Window treatments like curtains or blinds can block up to 20% of incoming heat.  Blackout curtains are thicker than many other curtains and will help keep more heat out during the day.
• Opening your windows at the right time can make a huge difference in keeping your home cool during summer. The early morning hours bring the coolest temperatures of the day.  Open all your windows before 8 AM. This lets the cool morning air flow through your home and push out the warm air that built up overnight.
• To keep your home cooler, use  this same routine  with your curtains or blinds. After closing the windows at 10 AM, shut your curtains too. This blocks the hot sun and keeps your morning coolness lasting longer. Focus on windows that face south and west since they get the most direct sunlight.
• Remember to open your curtains again in the evening when temperatures drop. This helps your home cool down naturally and saves on air conditioning costs.
• If you don’t have curtains, try hanging a sheet or a piece of fabric.
•  If you want to see outside, use sheer curtains

See also:  What to Do in a Heat Wave and No Air Conditioning          Caregivers and Heat Waves    How to Prepare for Extreme Heat 

Sources:

1.    Ready.gov  Extreme heat hazard information sheet.