How to Stay Cool in the Long, Hot Summer

It's still hot here in New York after last week's heat wave. When the temperature rose to almost 100°F the other day, it seemed cooler outside than in parts of my house. It was so hot and humid that I sometimes felt like I was living in a sauna.

Outside, in the shade, you might catch a cool breeze. Staying cool inside can be more challenging. You can use an electric fan to move cool air from one part of your house to another. This is great when used with an air conditioner. A more effective solution is a powerful air circulator, which draws air into the fan and then directs it forward, creating a steady movement in the air and maintaining an even temperature. They are great because they also work in the winter to evenly distribute warm air. For the best cooling, however, you need an air conditioner.

Choosing an air conditioner that's right for you doesn't have to be difficult. First, decide if you want a portable or room (wall or window) air conditioner. Portable A/C's make it easier to target cooling specifically where you want it. They also use less energy than room air conditioners and often have built-in dehumidifiers that can be used independently. Wall and window A/C's don't have to be vented, just installed. Since they stay in one place, there are no hoses to drag around your house.

Don't forget to clean the scale and grime from you air conditioners and replace the air filters before turning them on for the season. Cleaning and straightening the fins inside the air conditioner will improve air flow and increase the unit's efficiency, saving you money on your electric bill. Doing these things every year can also extend the life of the unit by 2 or 3 years. If you have central air conditioning or a split unit, consider getting a wrap-around filter for its intake unit, which will keep debris from getting inside it, and make the job of cleaning your air conditioner much easier.

If you want more information on air conditioners, including how to choose one that's right for you, check out our air conditioner information page. I hope you can use this information to help you stay cool this summer.

Also check out:
Full line of air conditioners
Full line of electric fans
Full line of dehumidifiers
How to Clean your Air Conditioner like a Pro