It's summer--and hot. With typically summer heat waves comes higher energy bills. And with the new push for energy regulation from, for example, the Paris Summit, there is an expectation that people will find ways to use less energy, even when trying to stay cool from persistent high temperatures.
How do you do it? How do you stay climate-sound while climate-savvy? Here are some tips for staying cool without power:
1. Limit physical work: If you have to get things done, do so during the coolest times of day. If you have to be out working, really pace yourself, and even plan to do less than you typically would.
2. Close off hottest rooms: If there are rooms in your house that are hottest during the day, close to door to them and install a foot sweep to keep the air from getting out. As well, any rooms that are facing west during the day should be closed off.
3. Keep the windows open: It may seem smarter to keep the windows closed and thus the hot air out, but even a slight cross-breeze is better than stale stagnant air.
4. Limit cooking to minimum: Don't cook if unnecessary--it'll only heat your house or apartment. If you have to, or want to, cook, then do so early in the morning or late at night when things are a little cooler. Digesting food will create body heat, so try to avoid large heavy meals. Drink plenty of liquid during the hot hours, and eat when it's cooler.
5. Wear thin, loose-fitting clothing: This is pretty obvious. Avoid the shirt and tie if unnecessary. Wear short-sleeves and shorts; and try to wear lighter clothing--dark shades absorb more heat.
6. Water spritzer: Carry around a spray bottle to mist yourself with--it'll cool you down.
7. Sleep outdoors: If it's safe, pitch a tent outside and sleep there.
8. Sleep in a cross-breeze: Sleep in between two open windows. If you can, hang a damp sheet in front of one of them--as the water evaporates, it'll have a cooling effect.
9. Water wrap: Take a towel or bandanna, soak it in water, and wrap it around your neck--wrap another around your head if you're out in the sun. This will keep you cool.
10. Read books: Remember: this post is about staying cool without electricity. Find a favourite book or two (check out my must-read book lists), take a wet towel, a blanket or chair, and find a shady spot to lay down in and read. Move as the shade moves. You won't exert yourself, you'll stay cool, and you'll get smarter--not to mention save money on hydro.
There are more regulations being imposed on us, and greater expectations that we will use less electricity--even during a heat wave. We all need to have these and other strategies in mind before hydro-use policies become more stringent. The two websites used for this post that provide excellent resources are Urban Survival Site and Emergency Outdoors.
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