It’s the Dog Days of Summer: Do You Know the Best Ways to Stay Cool?
The saying, “the dog days of summer,” refers to the dates between July 3 and August 11 when most of North America experiences the hottest days of the year.
It really has nothing to do with heat or hot dogs, however. The phrase originated because those dates are when the largest star in the constellation Canis Major (large dog), Sirius, or “the dog star,” rises and falls with the sun.
But, no matter where the saying came from, the fact is that this time of year is hot. For you and your dog!
So, with that in mind, the cooling experts at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning would like to provide you with some tips for boosting your AC and staying cool during the hottest part of the year:
1. Use fans
While fans themselves don’t cool down a room, they are very helpful to move air-conditioned air around. This can keep all parts of your home cooler.
2. Close the shades
The sun beating into your home through windows and doors can raise the temperature in your home and make your air conditioner work harder. During the heat of the day, you should close your curtains and shades against the sun to block out its rays.
3. Cook outside
Who doesn’t love a cookout? During the summer, it may be a better option than turning on the stove in your home. By using the grill, you can avoid heating up your home by preparing meals on or in your range. Or, you can opt for cool salads or sandwiches that don’t require any cooking.
4. Clean or replace your AC’s filters
This should be done at least every three months but might need to be done more often during the hottest times of the year. A clean filter helps your air conditioner run more efficiently.
5. Have your AC serviced
And, the best way to make sure your home stays cool efficiently is to ensure that your air conditioner has had a maintenance tune-up. If you didn’t do this during the spring and suspect your AC isn’t running at its most efficient, it’s never too late to have it serviced.
But, whatever you do, be sure to drink plenty of water, limit your physical activity to the cooler times of the day and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day. Even if your home stays cool, the folks here at C & C want you to avoid getting heat exhaustion or a heat stroke no matter where you are.
And, if your AC isn’t working correctly or has stopped working completely, feel free to give us a call at (586) 439-3319 or contact us online. We offer 24/7 emergency service and can get your home cooled off in no time.
