The summer fun has begun and with it comes the rising temperatures. Extreme heat can become a danger to you and your property. When a heatwave rolls in, it’s important to be ready. Knowing how to keep your home cool and vehicle safe during the hottest months can make a difference when you need it the most.
Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners spend about $29 billion each year on air conditioning. While air conditioning can become a necessity in the hotter months, there are other things you can do to help you stay cool and maybe even lower your energy bill.
Block out sunlight. During the day, sunlight coming into your home can heat it up quickly. Block out the heat by closing your blinds and/or curtains, especially on the sunny side of your house. If you have blackout curtains, those work even better because they are made to keep out light and heat.
Make sure your house is well insulated. If your home isn’t insulated and sealed well, warm air could leak in, sabotaging your efforts to cool things down. Make sure all cracks and openings are sealed, along with your ducts. The DOE reports that air leakage through ducts can contribute to nearly 30% of a cooling system’s energy use. That can add up quickly which is why proper insulation can save you money on your energy bill.
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Refrain from using the oven. On hot summer days, avoid using your oven, stove, or any other appliance that generates heat within the home.
Fans can be helpful. Fans will move air, and you can try placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan to make the air feel even cooler. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.
Have your air conditioner serviced before it gets too hot. Test your unit before it gets too hot to ensure it’s in good working condition before the hottest days of the summer show up. A licensed HVAC technician can perform maintenance and fix any problems. Before hiring a contractor, read our tips on how to hire a reputable contractor.
Spend time in the cooler areas of your home. Any room that has less direct sunlight is likely cooler. Basements are a great option, if you have one.
Safety first. Avoiding too much physical activity, staying hydrated, and having a backup plan in case of a power outage is a good idea. Public areas may be converted into cooling centers during heatwaves. Stay informed about alternative places you can go to stay cool such as community centers or libraries, which may be options if you lose power or don’t have AC.
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Check on anyone with special needs. Children, the elderly, those with health issues, and pets may require special attention during extreme temperatures. Do what you can to ensure they stay safe, cool, and hydrated. Consider only walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the pavement is cooler. If you press your hand on the sidewalk and it feels too hot, it could burn your pet’s paws.
Staying cool in your home is about more than comfort. It can keep you, your family, and your pets safe from heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or worse. Do what you can to prepare for the heat and stay cool this summer.
Ensuring Your Vehicle Is Safe and Cool in the Heat
Extreme heat can become an issue for vehicles too. They may not perform well in very hot weather without the right care. A study published in Temperature found that, when it was 100°F outside, a car parked in the sun reached an internal temperature of 116°F after an hour. The seats, dashboard, and steering wheel all had even higher temperatures after an hour. The heat can become dangerous and life threatening. Remember, it’s never safe to leave people or pets inside a car during the summer, even for a short time.
When the temperature increases, decrease your risk on and off the road with these safety tips.
Test your AC. Give your air conditioning a test run before the temperature rises. If it’s not cooling, it could be a sign that you need more refrigerant or that there’s a problem elsewhere with the cooling system. Have your vehicle serviced by a trusted professional, if necessary.
Provide shade when you can. Consider parking in shady areas, so the internal temperature of your car doesn’t rise as much. Sunshades on the windshield can be a big help too. Throwing towels or blankets over your seats or steering wheel can also help.
Keep an eye on your battery. If your battery is old or you notice its struggling to start the car, have it checked. Extreme heat can impact a battery’s life span and performance. The last thing you want is to be stranded.
Roadside assistance is great additional coverage to add to a personal auto insurance policy that can help if you become stranded. Call InsureOnline.com’s licensed agents at (844) 358-5605 to talk about your policy or fill in our simple form to get a quote.
Check those tires. Hot pavement and warm air can cause your tire pressure to rise. Over inflated tires are more likely to blow out, which can be very dangerous. Check your tire pressure often, especially during a heatwave. Your car’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door should tell you the correct pressure for your tires.
Keep cool under the hood. If you don’t remember the last time you had your engine coolant checked and flushed, now might be a good time to have it looked at.
Act quickly if your car starts to overheat. Once you pull over and are in a safe location, make sure to wait until your vehicle is completely cooled down before checking coolant levels. Learn what other steps to take from the American Automobile Association to prevent your car from overheating and what to do if it does.
Having the right personal auto insurance coverage for you is another way to ensure you are protected this summer. Discuss your current policy or shop around for a new one with our licensed agents. Get a quote in minutes by completing our online form or give us a call at (844) 358-5605 to discuss your needs.
Extreme heat can be serious and life-threatening. The more prepared you are before the heat hits, the better you’ll be able to handle it. Start by preparing your home and vehicle before the temperatures reach their peak this summer. Take care of your space, check on your loved ones, and be smart about the heat.
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