5 Ways to Stay Cool in Seattle This Summer

What is up with this heat? Numerous all-time temperature records have been broken in the Seattle area in recent weeks, leaving residents struggling to keep cool. The region has already set a record for the most consecutive days with temperatures over 90-degrees and we’re only a few weeks into summer. Because of these sustained high temperatures, you’ll want to come up with a few methods of beating the heat before you become too uncomfortable.

1) Make a Cave

Have you ever been in a cave? If you have, you know that they stay cool, even when the temperatures are scorching outside. This is because very little heat gets into these caves, since they are protected from the sunlight. You can do the same to your home by putting reflectors on your windows. You might also want to keep your blinds or curtains closed. Shutting yourself off from the heat in this manner can keep you cool all day long.

2) The Power of Water

A nice, cool shower will work wonders if you get overheated. The water will lower your body temperature quickly, making you feel better. As long as the water temperature is lower than the air in your home, you will notice a difference. A cool bath is another option, should you have a little time to relax. Placing wet towels on your head or shoulders is a quick way to cool your body if you don’t have time for a bath or shower.

3) Cook Outside

Use your oven as sparingly as possible during a heatwave, as it will only add to your misery. Once your turn on your oven or stove, it quickly heats your home even further. Instead, cook your meals on the BBQ. After the sun goes down in the evening, you might also find that your yard is a much cooler place to eat your meals.

4) Stay Hydrated

Most of the health problems that arise from extreme heat are the direct result of dehydration. Drinking plenty of water during the day not only prevents you from getting dehydrated, but it can also lower your body temperature. Consume water before you feel thirsty, as feeling thirsty is the first sign that you are already dehydrated. Although an ice cold beer might help cool you off, drinking alcohol to excess can dehydrate you even further.

5) Install Air Conditioning

If building your own cave in the basement, cooking outside, and taking showers throughout the day isn’t your way of staying cool during the summer heat, consider having central air conditioning installed, as this makes a huge difference in terms of keeping your home cool. Not only will you be well equipped for the next heatwave, but you won’t have to worry about taking these other precautions the next time it gets unbearably hot.

Hunt’s Plumbing is Seattle Tacoma’s Air Conditioning experts and can help you decide what options work best for you.  For more information on central air conditioning in Seattle, call Hunt’s Plumbing and Mechanical at 253-927-5862. Our certified technicians will ensure that your air conditioning is up and running in a hurry, so that you don’t have to worry about how you will beat the heat the next time the mercury rises in western Washington.