Stay Safe & Cool in the Summer Sun!

August 21, 2024

Summer has not disappointed this year. Especially when it comes to summer heat waves. According to The Weather Channel, this summer’s heat has already shattered previous heat records. The Weather Channel reports that over 30 U.S. Cities have experienced the hottest temperatures on record for the first half of summer. And August has only just begun.

The best ways to cope? We need to stay safe in the sun and cool in the house for the remaining weeks. And with August being Summer Sun Safety Month, we’re here to help you stay safe and totally chill.

8 Cool Tips for Summer

There are many things we try to avoid during the summer months, including sunburn, overheating, and emergency AC repair! Keep these things in mind as the summer heat drags on.

1. Avoid Extreme Sun Exposure: According to the EPA, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limit your time outdoors during these hours to prevent skin damage. If you’re an outdoor exerciser, do it in the early morning hours or after sundown.
2. Wear Sunscreen: Always wear sunscreen when you head outdoors, especially if you’re spending the day at the beach. The CDC recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 15 SPF or higher. If you’re spending the day at the beach, wear hats and utilize beach umbrellas to protect against sun exposure.
3. Practice Good HVAC Maintenance: How refreshing does it feel to walk into a cool home after a few hours in the sweltering heat? Well, tell you—it feels great! But if you ignore regular HVAC maintenance, you’re not going to have that chilled relief you adore. It’s critical to schedule an AC checkup before summer starts to ensure your system is working at its best. Of course, scheduling a tune-up now is fine too. Better late than never!
4. Wear Proper Eyewear: Protecting your eyes from the sun is important, too. On those sunny days, be sure you’re wearing sunglasses that offer proper UV protection. Choose eyewear that blocks both UVA and UVB rays from your eyes.
5. Don’t Do This to Your AC: When the days are hot, you might be tempted to mess with your system’s thermostat. Don’t. Keep the setting at a comfortable number (we recommend somewhere between 72 and 76) and let the system do its efficiency magic. Trying to jack the temperature down quickly will not cool your home any quicker and only makes your system work harder than it needs to. Lastly, don’t forget to change those air filters!
6. Wear Loose Clothing and Hydrate: When you head outside on super warm days, wear loose, light, breathable clothing. And take a water bottle with you. Hydrating is key on these sizzling summer days!
7. Keep Blinds Closed: Keep those curtains or blinds closed during the day. Blocking out the sun’s rays will keep that indoor space cooler and won’t make your system work harder than it needs to.
8. Check Your Thermostat: Is it super sunny inside your family room? To ensure proper thermostat efficiency, make sure your thermostat is not in direct sunlight. It should always be placed on an inner wall away from direct sunlight so it can read the room’s temperature accurately and keep your room at a cool temperature.

Let Total Comfort Keep You Cool

As we continue to beat the heat this summer, don’t forget that Total Comfort is only a phone call away when you need AC repair services, air conditioning replacement, plumbing repair, and so much more. And it’s easy to schedule an appointment. You can do it right here. Stay cool!