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Today: A High of 91°F
Tomorrow: A High of 94°F
And it's only the beginning of July! The summer heat is creeping on us faster than we can say "Lemonade". With the hot months ahead, WCUSA is here to provide you with some ways to keep you and your family cool all summer long.
Be the Boss of Your AC
A few weeks ago I caught a special on the History Channel, Top 101 Gadgets That Have Changed the World, and can you guess what came in at
number six? The portable air conditioner. Yes, I can agree that this made the top 10 when it comes to crucial must-have gadgets for summer however, with every great idea, there also comes great cost.
Here are a few quick tips to take control of your AC unit before it takes control of your wallet:
- Maintain AC at a reasonable temperature. Find the right setting to make your home comfortable and keep it there. A common setting for many thermostats is around 75 degrees.
- Keep the windows closed. Ensure that no warm air is coming into your home when you're trying to keep it cool. As soon as you open a window, hot air will creep in and all of that great cool air will escape. With that in mind, this
also leads to tip number 3...
- Open your windows at night. If temperatures reach below 77 degrees overnight, it's ideal to shut off that expensive AC and let the night air cool your home for free!
- Keep your AC unit clean. Check the air filter at least once a month during the summertime. Look to see if it needs cleaning or possibly replaced and do so right away. For portable units, ensure that there are no cracks or open
areas where hot air can creep through. If you have central AC, be sure to check the ducts for leaks.
- Work double-time. Run a fan simultaneously with AC. This will allow you to set your thermostat at a lower temperature but remain comfortable. While AC produces cold air, a fan will help circulate that air. Just be sure to turn
fans off when no one is in the room.
- Put computers to sleep when they're not in use. An uncommonly known fact is that computers produce heat when on. Setting your system on "sleep" will cut down the amount of heat being produced so that you can enjoy more cool air
and a lower power bill.
Want more tips? Check out Real Simple's 23 Ways to Beat the Heat.
Water, Water Everywhere
Whether you drink it or swim in it, water is essential to keep the body cool during any time of year but it is essential during the summer months. As your body sweats, it is critical to your overall health to replace that moisture.
When the body is dehydrated, your temperature rises and drinking water will not only hydrate you but cool the body down as well.
If accessible, visiting the community pool or local beach is a great idea for the whole family. Not only does this provide a great way to cool your entire body but it also keeps you and your kids active! MapMuse has made it even
easier for you to find a swimming pool near you.
Can't make it to the pool? There are plenty of fun water games to be played on the home front as well. Pick up an always fun, Slip 'n Slide at Toys 'R' Us for around $30 and your house will be the hit of the neighborhood. If you
don't want buy one, check out this step-by-step instructional guide, How to Make Your Own Slip 'N Slide with items you can find
at home or your local hardware store. If nothing else, remember the good old fashioned sprinkler makes for great fun!
Putting Water in Your Melon
So what happens when you simply can't chug another bottle of water? Go for the watermelon! Watermelons are great to have in your home throughout the entire summer. Not only are they healthy but they provide another great source of
hydration. Add a seed spitting contest for the kids and it's sure to be a hit. For more related activities, check out Watermelon Games for
Children. For those adults who dare to go crazy with this delectable fruit, here is a great Watermelon Summer Salad recipe.
When Life Gives You Lemons...Donate Them!
At some point in life, most of us have either set-up a lemonade stand or visited one. Lemonade stands are a great idea to keep the kids busy and hydrated when school is out. Not only will the kids be excited to provide something for
their neighbors but this could be the start of an impressive entrepreneural career.
In fact, why not suggest donating any earnings to charity, such as Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. This charity was founded by Alexandra "Alex" Scott
who was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday. Alex founded the charity at age 4 when she decided to set-up a lemonade stand and passed the proceeds to doctors working to find a cure for cancer. What a great
way to get your children involved in helping those less fortunate while engaging in an all-time favorite summertime activity.
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