One of the top highest temperatures Petaluma, CA has ever faced was in September of 2022. On that day, the area reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit. It seems like each year brings a hotter summer than the previous one.
On a day such as that, it’s important to know how to stay cool and avoid hazards like heat stroke. Some people have the luxury to travel from an air-conditioned home to an air-conditioned office. Others have to figure out ways to cool off in the summer heat.
Here’s how you can stay cool in Petaluma, CA this summer.
Seal in Your Home
Your home is your sanctuary. It should be the one place you visit that feels better than anywhere else. Part of that means keeping the cool indoor air from escaping outdoors and blocking off the outside heat.
One way to accomplish this is to apply weather stripping to your windows and doors. These allow you to keep water out and indoor air in. On top of that, it’s important to keep doors and windows shut during the day.
Failing to properly seal your home means that your air conditioning unit has to work harder to keep it cool. It also means you’ll likely need more AC maintenance because you’re working it longer than may be necessary.
Optimize Your AC Usage
There’s a good chance that you aren’t making the most of your air conditioning during the summer months. The worst thing you can do is wait for your home to heat up before you start running the AC.
First of all, make sure that your HVAC unit is actually running properly. You don’t want to find out that your system is having problems when you need it the most.
Second, set your thermostat to run your AC automatically rather than letting it run all day long. This will help conserve energy and lower your electric bills.
Finally, make sure your air filter is clean. A clean filter has better airflow and improves overall air quality.
Pre-Cool Your Home
Instead of running your AC unit throughout the day in an attempt to fight the heat, why not try cooling your home in advance?
One way to do this is by cooling your home ahead of warm weather. If you know a heat wave is approaching, make sure that your house is as cold as you can stand before it hits.
Another option is to set your thermostat as low as you can during off-peak hours, such as after midnight to before sunrise. This allows you to cool down every inch of your home for cheaper than if you tried during the day. Your thermostat should then be set to return to higher temperatures like 78 during peak hours to give it a break.
Spend Time in the Water
Nothing cools you down quite like spending time in the water. In particular, Northern California beaches tend to run cold most of the year. That makes them the perfect place to go when the world turns up the heat.
Alternatively, you could always go for a dip in your own or a friend’s pool. It’s even better for cooling off if it’s a covered or indoor pool.
Regardless of which choice you go with, always make sure to wear plenty of sunblock or sunscreen. Even if the water keeps you feeling cool, you can still walk away with sunburn if you aren’t careful.
Embrace the Shade
Just because it’s getting hotter doesn’t mean you can’t spend some time outside playing sports or going for hikes. However, it’s important that you stick to the shade during most of your activities.
Staying in direct sunlight can make the air feel much warmer than it actually is. The shade helps to mitigate the sun’s rays and makes you feel cooler. Sufficient shade can also help to reduce the risk of burning, though it’s still a likelihood due to reflected light.
Avoid Hot Meals
As much as you may like to cook, you should try to avoid hot meals on similarly hot summer days. Even something as simple as turning on your stove to make eggs can release heat into the air. It’s worse if you primarily use your oven to cook.
Some easy cold dinner ideas include pasta salad, chicken salad sandwiches, watermelon gazpacho, and lettuce wraps. Of course, you can also opt for things like smoothies, ice cream, and cold yogurt if you desire something sweeter.
Stay Hydrated
One of the quickest ways you can lose your body’s water content is through sweating. At the same time, sweating is the primary way your body keeps itself cool while you’re in the summer heat.
As such, it’s extremely dangerous for you to go multiple hours in the sun without drinking an adequate amount of water. In fact, you should drink a single cup of water every twenty minutes or so to stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.
It helps to carry around an insulated bottle that can keep your water cool throughout the day. Make sure to take frequent breaks to rest in the shade and drink some.
Dress for the Occasion
The types of clothing you wear can have a huge impact on how well you handle the summer heat and the sun. It makes sense to wear shorts and a tank top for maximum cooling capabilities. However, you’ll also need to make sure that the material is breathable and lightweight.
Cotton is one of the coolest and most affordable fabric options. Linen is another breathable fabric that is lightweight, though it wrinkles quickly.
One of the worst things you can wear is denim. It’s thick, heavy, and not breathable at all. The same goes for anything leather.
Survive the Hotter Summer Months
Every year, people think that there can’t possibly be a hotter summer than the one they’re going through. However, there’s always the chance of increased temperatures as long as global warming exists. You have to play it smart if you want to survive the deadly summer heat.
Milano Mechanical has all the HVAC and plumbing services you can need in the Petaluma, CA area. We’ll address your concerns and set you up for routine maintenance to avoid future problems. Contact us with any questions and to set up an appointment.
