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A heat dome is heading to the United States, with record-breaking temperatures expected to hit a majority of the country. With temperatures expected to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, we’re scrambling for ways to stay cool.
Heat advisories call for staying indoors, and there are several ways to keep your home cool and comfortable. Between air conditioners and window sealers, you can lower the temperature of your space and help keep it that way, creating a cool haven from the heat wave. Here are some upgrades to keep you and your space cool, with prices starting at $6.
Window coverings and sealers
Window coverings and sealers are a great way to stay cool during a heat wave, as blocking sunlight and preventing air leaks can lower your home’s indoor temperature with minimal effort. Keeping curtains closed prevents direct sunlight from heating up your space, but the type of curtain can make a difference. Opt for blackout curtains and curtains with linings and layers to significantly reduce heat. Light colored curtains can also help, as they tend to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Placement also matters. When curtains are placed as close as possible to the window, they create a seal that helps keep heat out.
Additionally, window sealers are an affordable way to create barriers and fill in gaps, with prices as low as $6. They help keep warm air out and cool air in, making them essential for staying cool during a heat wave. They’re a great way to make your air conditioning work smarter, not harder, which in turn can potentially help reduce your electricity bill and energy usage.
Miulee Blackout Linen Textured Curtains
Ladany Wedge-Shaped Weather Stripping Window Seal Strip
Duck Brand Black Foam Large Gap Weatherstrip Seal
Air conditioners
Air conditioners effectively lower the temperature of a room during the summer, which is a must for staying comfortable during a heat wave. But whether you opt for a window unit or a portable unit depends on your preferences and needs. Window air conditioning units tend to cool a room faster and can be more energy efficient, but can be more difficult to set up, as they require lifting the heavy appliance. Portable air conditioners can still cool a room, but they might be better for windows that can’t accommodate a window A/C unit, or if you want the portable aspect to move it from room to room with ease.
After choosing your preferred A/C, you might be wondering what temperature you should set it at once it’s installed. While you might be tempted to crank it down to its lowest temperature setting, it can be a costly move that uses more energy. It’s typically recommended to set the temperature around 78 degrees, which allows for more energy-efficient cooling.
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Line Blaster 8,500 BTU 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Midea 6,000 BTU U Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Frostorm 8,500 BTU 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
House fans
House fans may not lower the temperature of a space, but they can be used strategically to keep you cool. Paired with an air conditioner, a fan can help circulate the cold air throughout your home. You can also use a fan to blow hot air out of your home by facing the fan outward by a window. This method is best suited for later at night or earlier in the morning, when the temperature is cooler.
If you don’t have an air conditioner, you can create a DIY air conditioner using a fan. Get a bowl of ice, sprinkle salt on it, and place the bowl in front of the fan. When you turn on the fan, it blows cold air in your direction, giving it a cooling effect. This hack is more of a personal cooling method that’s effective when it’s placed near you; however, it’s not effective in cooling an entire room like a true air conditioner.
Coway Airmega P50 Pedestal Fan
Dreo 36-Inch Tower Fan
Dreame Bladeless Tower Fan
Lasko 20-Inch Classic Box Fan
Cooling towels and blankets
Appliances like air conditioners and fans can make a big impact in getting by during a heat wave, but smaller items, like cooling towels and bedding, can also help and do so without spending a ton of money.
Cooling towels and cooling neck gaiters are often used outdoors, typically during outdoor activities and workouts, but they can also be used indoors for an extra cooling boost. With cooling fabric and evaporative cooling, they can help you stay cool for hours. They typically work by soaking them in water, wringing them dry, and shaking or snapping them. Then, you can wear them around your neck, on your head, or on your body to reap the benefits of their cooling properties.
Cooling blankets don’t need to be soaked in water to work, thankfully. Instead, they typically use cooling technology to pull heat away from your body and regulate temperature. They’re great for staying cool at night, which can prevent night sweats and overheating during heat waves.
Sukeen 4-Pack of Cooling Towels
Mission Multi-Use Cooling Neck Gaiter
Elegear Revolutionary Cooling Blanket
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