Smart Ideas to Beat the Summer Heat

to Beat the Summen Heut Smart Ideas Sno-cones Whether you visit the local sno-cone stand or search Pinterest for ways to make sno-cones at home, these icy treats help to keep you both cool and hydrated. If you make them with fruit juice, they're healthy, too. Burton Springs Take a dip in Barton Springs. This Austin swimming hole maintains temps below 70 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Unlike the pool in your backyard, it doesn't feel like bath water by the end of the summer. Grab your sunscreen and a towel and brace yourself for that first breathtaking plunge. Area lahe If a swimming pool is out of the question, count yourself lucky to live in Austin. Area lakes provide another opportunity for a refreshing swim or some watersports. Something about being on a waterski or tube going 30 miles per hour behind a boat keeps you cool even if it's 100 degrees outside. Fandlhell fane When the air is muggy and still and there's no air conditioning to be found, break out a handheld fan. You could use an old fashioned accordion fan like the southern belles carried, a piece of cardboard on a stick like churches used to hand out or the new and improved battery operated fans with spinning blades. None of these are long-term fixes, but they'll do in a pinch. Shade If you must be outside in the heat of the day, do whatever you can to stay in the shade if at all possible. Shade could come in the form of a straw hat, an umbrella, the side of a building or under the branches of a tree. The important thing is to get your body out from under the sun's direct rays. Reep blinde oloeed gives your cat a warm place to nap during the winter also serves to heat up your home during the summer. Shade works indoors, too. The same sun that Keep blinds and curtains drawn, especially on windows facing to the south and the west. If you need the sunlight indoors, plant trees outside to shade the windows from the sun's rays. Shade the car Similar principles apply to your car. If you can park under a carport or some other form of shade, do so. It protects the car's paint and keeps the interior of your car cooler. When you're out and about running errands, put a sunshade in your front windshield. Doing so keeps the car from getting as hot and keeps the steering wheel from burning your hands when you get back in the car. Give your oven a summer vacation Using your oven heats up your home. Instead of baking meals in the oven, grill outside or use a slow cooker to prepare meals. By keeping your oven off, you aren't adding more heat to the home for your air conditioner to battle. Qir condikioniny Ultimately, your best bet for staying cool throughout the summer is to have a good air conditioner that runs efficiently and stays in good working order. Refrigerated air paired with fans will keep the interior of your home cool throughout the summer. Other tips include doing outdoor chores in the cool of the morning, air drying your clothes and taking cold showers. BLUE AIR leating and Air Conditioning www.blueair-ac.com