Alternative summer air conditioning solutions.
You may have been there before – it’s summer, temperatures are soaring and you don’t have air conditioning. It could be because you are waiting for a new one to be installed, or you may not have hopped on the air conditioning bandwagon yet.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to stay cool during this time. Now keep in mind, these are only temporary solutions. Nothing is going to be able to keep you cool like a good central air conditioner (or heat pump).
Spend some time outdoors doing water-centered activities. With Memorial Day just last weekend, the pools should all be open. Spend some time outdoors cooling off doing water-centric activities. Visit the pool, have a water balloon fight, break out the water guns…just make sure you stay safe by hydrating and wearing sunblock.
Buy a portable air conditioner or window unit. These can be great for those hotter than usual rooms – like a South-facing bedroom or living room. While these can be great for spot cooling, they can really be a money suck if you try to cool your entire home with them. It’s still a better idea to invest in a central air system if you want whole-home cooling.
Turn on the ceiling fans or have one installed. Ceiling fans are great at mixing the air in your home and providing a cooler breeze on a warm day. This can be a less-expensive investment in home comfort that can really have big returns.
Take your cooking outdoors or use a crockpot. You may not realize just how hot your oven and stove can make your home. After all, gas stoves used to be the go-to heating method. Never underestimate the comfort (and culinary) benefits of breaking out the slow cooker or firing up the grill.
“DIY” air conditioning solutions. No, not maintenance. But, you can put together a temporary air conditioner using a cooler, a fan, some ice and a pipe. Doing a simple Google search can lead you to several different designs. Again, these are generally temporary, spot-cooling type solutions that aren’t going to be able to cool your entire home like a central air conditioner.
The best way to get whole-home comfort is with a central air conditioner or heat pump. However, these are great temporary solutions. Make sure you schedule a consultation with your local heating and cooling specialist for a long-term solution.
What are some other things you do to keep cool during the summer?