-The Center for Disease Control reports that thousands of people go to emergency rooms from heat exposure and hundreds die every year. Heat exposure is preventable and Atascadero’s air conditioning repair company, Air Rite, recently published a report to help people stay cool.
One of the top ways to cool off is to have a place to get out of the heat. Air-conditioned (AC) homes, businesses and public buildings are refuges from summer heat. Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home or in the office creates a comfortable environment.
Other ways include:
- Adjusting the thermostat
- Monitoring humidity
- Maintaining the AC system
- Practice extra cooling methods
- Stay hydrated and maximize comfort for the elderly, children and pets
Adjusting the thermostat
Turning the thermostat up 10 degrees, to 88F, when out can maintain comfort while saving as much as 10-percent on the bill.
Night is another time to adjust the thermostat. A study by the National Institute of Health indicates that the best sleep happens when environmental temperatures are at 86 degrees for those who sleep uncovered or 60 to 66 degrees covered.
Monitoring humidity
Humidity makes us feel hotter. Sweating helps maintain the body’s temperature by evaporating and cooling the skin. Moisture in the air makes it more difficult for sweat to evaporate. Humidity varies considerably between Central Coast inland and seaside communities. There are times when the humidity on the coast may reach over 50-percent, which is the top of the range for comfort. Most modern day air conditioners regulate humidity through the evaporator coil that condenses water vapor from the air.
Maintaining the AC system
Extra cooling methods
Keeping warm air out helps. Simply replacing weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows helps keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter.
Other methods include:
- Use window treatments that prevent the sunlight from warming rooms
- Limit the use of the oven and the stove
- Ceiling fans can increase cooling efficiency
- Use a programmable thermostat to set different temperatures for different times of day. Smart thermostats are controlled remotely from a smartphone or tablet.
Stay hydrated and be mindful of those at high risk
Those at highest risk include people 65 and older, anyone with chronic disease, children, pets, and anyone who may not be able to make safe decisions for themselves. Make sure those at risk are:
- Cool and comfortable
- Drinking enough water
- Don’t feeling dizzy, ill, lethargic or displaying unusual behavior
Avoid overheating by:
- Limiting sports activities to the cooler times of day
- Drink enough water
- Check the weather reports
- Don’t leave children and pets in the car, even in the shade
- Check on friends and neighbors, especially those at risk
The local experts
Air Rite has been serving local communities since 1983, providing quality residential and commercial products and service for San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. The company mission is to perform quality work at an honest and fair price. Air Rite gives back to the community by sponsoring and supporting local organizations and activities that have a positive effect in the local area. The company support includes 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America, Escuela Del Rio, The Link, food banks, youth sports teams and cancer fundraising.
Air Rite
5001 Traffic Way
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 461-3303