How to Keep Cool this Summer?

Dog days of Annapolis summer

Summer is not just about beaches and suntans. It also brings the bane of heat that can often be unbearable. Annapolis experiences warm and humid summers. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 85°F.

As temperatures rise, you should consider how to keep yourself and your home cool this summer. Here are some effective tips that don’t require ANY alterations to your property. Residents and property owners can now evade the summer heat in Maryland with minimal hassle and money.

1. Close the Blinds and Curtains

Keep the blinds and curtains shut on the windows, especially those that are south facing. Make this a ritual every day when the sun is out in full force. This will block direct sunlight (and heat) from coming inside the house. It takes just a minute but makes a significant difference and keeps your house cool.

2. Close Doors to Unoccupied Rooms
Close the doors to rooms that are not in use. This will help keep cool air where you require it most. You can also place a cloth or a towel to seal gaps under the doors so cool air doesn’t escape.

3. Place an Ice-Bowl in Front of Fan
Tired of the high air-conditioner bills during the Annapolis summer months? Give your air-con a break and place a bowl full of ice right in front of your fan. The fan will whip out ice-cold mist your way, making you feel instantly cooler.

4. Use Table-Top or Stand Fans
Ceiling fans tend to circulate warm air around the house. Table-top and stand fans work better at providing a steady flow of cool air directly to you during summers.

5. Adjust Ceiling Fan from Clockwise to Anti-Clockwise
Fans that rotate clockwise distribute warm air around the room. You can easily adjust the fan’s settings so the fan runs counter-clockwise. This will push air down, creating a cooling effect in the room. You can switch back to a clockwise setting as winter approaches.

6. Dehumidify the House
Annapolis has an average humidity level of 64%, with August being the most humid month. To bring down high humidity levels to an acceptable range of 30% to 50%, you can use a dehumidifier. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, try the following tips to bring down humidity inside the house:

• Keep kitchen doors closed while cooking
• Use the exhaust fan after showering
• Keep surfaces dry

7. Cook Outside
During summer, avoid cooking inside on the stovetop and oven as this releases heat and humidity. If possible, try grilling outside. If that’s not feasible, cover the pot lids to avoid releasing moisture (and humidity) inside the house. Also, keep the kitchen door closed while cooking and turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen.

8. Replace your HVAC Filters Regularly
Replacing or cleaning your HVAC filters will both improve the efficiency of the HVAC system and reduce your utility bills.

9. Take a Cool Shower before Bed
A cool shower right before bedtime will lower the body temperature and allow you to enjoy a sound night’s sleep. It has other benefits like boosting the immune system and tightening the skin.

10. Hydrate Yourself
Increase your water intake during the hot summer months. This will lower the body temperature and meet the increased demand for water.