Summer in Peterborough is fantastic, but a broken AC can turn your home into an oven. Don’t despair! Here are some quick and easy ways to beat the heat and stay comfortable, even when your air conditioner is out of action.
- Window Wisdom: Your First Line of Defense
- Nighttime is Cool Time: Open those windows wide overnight! Let the cooler Peterborough night air flush out the day’s heat. Create a cross-breeze if you can.
- Morning Lockdown: Before the sun really starts blazing (around 10 a.m. is a good rule of thumb, or when it’s warmer outside than in), close up your windows and blinds. This traps the cool air inside. Light-coloured blinds or curtains are your friends here, reflecting sunlight.
- Fan Power: Get the Air Moving
- Strategic Placement: Fans don’t cool air, but they create a breeze that cools you.
- Place a fan near an open window during cooler hours to pull in fresh air.
- Got two fans? Set one to pull cool air in on the shady side of your house and another to push hot air out on the sunny side or upstairs.
- The Ice Trick: For an extra chill, put a bowl of ice or some frozen water bottles in front of your fan. Instant cool mist!
- Personal Cool-Down Crew
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Foods like watermelon and cucumber also help.
- Cool Showers & Compresses: A quick, cool (not icy!) shower or bath works wonders. Dab cool water on your wrists, neck, and ankles.
- Dress Light: Loose, light-coloured clothing made of cotton or linen will help you stay much cooler.
- Tame Indoor Heat Monsters
- Cook Smart: Ovens and stovetops generate a LOT of heat. Try grilling outside, using the microwave, or enjoying cold meals like salads. If you must cook inside, do it during cooler evening hours.
- Appliance Awareness: Run dishwashers and washing machines at night. Turn off unnecessary lights (especially old incandescent bulbs) and electronics.
- Stay Safe in the Heat
- Know the Signs: Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Dizziness, excessive sweating, or nausea can be signs of heat exhaustion.
- Seek Refuge if Needed: If your home gets dangerously hot, Peterborough has public cooling centres (like One Roof Drop-in or the Public Library). Check the City’s website for current info.
A broken AC is a pain, but with these simple tricks, you can keep your cool and enjoy your Peterborough summer. Stay comfortable and safe!
