How To Survive Without An Air Conditioner

Posted on: July 20, 2015
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Announcements

It’s 9,000 degrees and we’re not some sort of tropical orchid. We need air conditioning in Texas. But, when your air conditioning system finally gives up and the repair appointment is far too many hours away, there are some ways to combat the oppressive heat that don’t involve locking yourself in the local Walmart. Some are really easy. Others are more involved and are probably best tackled on a day that isn’t melting the lawn furniture.

First, you can make your own air conditioner in 15 minutes! 

But, if you’re not that crafty, there are other options. During the day, close your windows and your blinds. Shades and curtains are your first line of defense and can substantially lower the temperature, since heat can leak in through the windows.

If your doily-like curtains aren’t cutting it, hopefully you at least have a couple fans. Though it seems counterintuitive, if you have a window fan, position it so it’s blowing out. This sucks the hot air out of the room. If you have another fan, you can set it up to create a cross breeze by placing it opposite the fan pushing air out. Place a pan of ice water in front of this fan, which cools the air some. You can also set your ceiling fan in a counterclockwise spin, so it’s blowing down on you. If you’re short on fans, hang a wet sheet in front of your window for the same air-conditioner-like effect.

At night, you can try the “Egyptian method” of staying cool (and actually sleep) using a slightly wet sheet as a blanket. As the sheet dries, it will keep you cooler. Or, you can try sprinkling baby powder on your sheets instead. Do not try both methods at the same time. You can also fill a cotton sock with rice, tie the sock with string, and freeze it for a few hours before bedtime and then put it between the sheets. Rice retains cold for a long period because it’s dense and starchy.

A few other tips for keeping the house temperature a little lower:

• using an outdoor grill or slow cooker instead of the oven
• swapping incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs
• closing off rooms to help keep the cold air where you want it.
• close your fireplace damper.
• use electric devices as little as possible because they generate heat.

Some of the more-involved projects include ensuring your house is well insulated, weather-sealing windows and doors, adding some shade with awnings or planted trees, and installing an attic fan. Yes, some of these projects can be expensive, but the good news is that many of these will help keep your house warmer in the winter, too.

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical is a full service residential contractor that has been serving the greater Houston area for over 50 years. Abacus is a member of the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce and has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau of Houston. Abacus is licensed and insured and offers 24/7 emergency service. To learn more about Abacus Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, visit www.abacusplumbing.net or call 713-766-3605. License Numbers: ALAN O'NEILL M-20628 | TACLB82488E | TECL 30557 

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical services the greater DFW area including, but not limited to: Houston, Humble, Baytown, Bellaire, Conroe, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands and more. Check out Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical reviews or see Abacus A+ BBB to confirm Abacus is a company you can trust.