If you’ve ever experienced a loss of electricity in your Houston home, you know that the first priority is keeping temperatures low. Without your AC pumping cool air into your home, it seems impossible!
Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing knows that the secret to keeping cool in a blackout isn’t creating cool air, but keeping cool body temperatures. If you’ve ever wondered what some alternative cooling methods are, we can share our tips on staying cool without AC.
Stay Away From Heat During A Power Outage
The most logical way to avoid warming your body when it is struggling to stay cool is to stay away from heat production as much as you can. Thinking ahead in a blackout could make a huge difference in your comfort and safety.
Use Eating Strategies
It may seem silly, but think more carefully about what and when you eat when the power is out. Putting food in your body starts the digestion process, which produces heat in your body. You want to try to avoid eating large amounts in the heat of the day. Instead, eat small snacks throughout the day until it is cooler outside. Also, avoid spicy or warm foods as much as you can.
Follow Cooking Rules
If you have a small, battery powered appliance like a camp stove, you may be tempted to cook up a tasty meal. If you do decide to cook, never do it inside. Use electrical outlets outside your home to prepare the meal before coming back inside.
Stay Downstairs
In two story homes, the second level will warm quicker because heat rises. If you can, bring the belongings you need downstairs and avoid spending time in the heat upstairs. If your blackout lasts for a couple of hours, you should be fine. If the loss of power extends, you may consider sleeping downstairs as well.
Help Your Body Stay Cool
Your body is going to naturally struggle to keep you cool — you will sweat and feel tired as your body uses energy to expel heat. Do everything you can to make that process easier for your body so that you stay healthy and comfortable.
Shed Layers
It may seem obvious, by making sure as much of your skin as possible is exposed. This helps your body push heat out quicker and keeps you from warming so much. Plus, you’ll feel cooler because more of your skin is exposed to the alight air movements in your home.
Stay Away From The Sun
Besides remaining indoors, distance yourself from windows and exterior walls if possible. These areas will warm the fastest, and you want your body in the coolest areas of the home. If you have rooms that are completely interior, try to spend the majority of your time there.
Keep Water Handy
You should be drinking a lot of water to help your body replenish the liquid lost from sweating, but water has other uses too. When air moves past water on your skin, it lowers the temperature and makes you feel cooler. You can mist yourself with a spray bottle or soak your feet in a container of water. Anything will help your body maintain internal temperatures. You can even soak your hair and let it dry for a refreshing cool down!
We’re Cooling Experts, Not Just AC Experts
When your AC isn’t working, we don’t want you to be left miserable. That’s why Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing is dedicated to helping you find the best alternative cooling methods for blackouts. If your AC experiences problems after your power is resorted, you know who you can count on. Our team is ready to respond to all your AC repair needs. Give us a call!
