Summer Living: 4 Ways To Keep Your Family Safe and Cool

When the first days of spring arrive, it’s easy to believe that nothing but easy times are ahead. However, in just a few short months, those idyllically warm days are going to turn into an exhausting summer heat. Try these tips to make sure that you and your family have a calm, cool, and relaxing summer season.

Switch to Breathable Fabrics

From clothing to bed sheets, the fabric that you choose can have a surprising impact on how cool you are able to stay. In general, breathable cotton fabric is the best choice for summer wear and bedding. Find something lightweight that won’t trap and absorb moisture. When you’re planning an outdoor outfit, consider wearing long sleeves to make sure that your skin isn’t directly impacted by the sun. If you’re shopping for bed sheets, look for special cooling technologies that will pull the heat away from your body overnight. Avoid synthetic and microfibre sheets, cotton and linen fabrics are best.

Invest in Houseplants

If you’ve ever stepped into a wooded area in the middle of the summer, you know just how cool a plant-filled environment can be. You can replicate this effect in your home by filling your main living room with several green houseplants. Plants naturally transpire some of their moisture into the air, increasing the humidity in the area and helping reduce the overall temperature level. Choose your favorite plants based on your local climate, and place one near each of your favorite seating areas.

Service Your Air Conditioner

When the first wave of summer heat hits, you’re going to be relying heavily on your air conditioner. Instead of leaving the quality of your machine up to chance, call in a talented air conditioning repair team to do any necessary repairs before the temperature gets too high. They’ll change your filters, fix anything that’s broken, and leave you with an AC that works twice as well and significantly reduces the cost of your energy bill.

Insulate Your Home

Many people believe that insulation is used to keep a house warm, but the truth is that good insulation is actually used to preserve the temperature of an environment. Whether you want your house to stay warm or cold, you’ll need to make sure that none of your conditioned air is escaping through any cracks. Start by asking a repair professional to re-insulate the areas around your windows and doors. If you’re still having cooling problems, you may need to look for a larger leak, which can often be caused by storm damage.

In general, keeping cool in the summer is all about crafting the perfect temperature-controlled environment. Seal the windows, fix your AC, and drink plenty of water while you wait for the cooler months to arrive.

By Lizzie Weakley

Lizzie  is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.