The summer heat is here.
With rising temperatures and the occasional heat wave, staying cool will be essential for a safe and enjoyable summer.
The dog days of summer may be great for a BBQ, but they can be a big disturbance at home or at work causing stress, irritability, a lack of productivity, or even illness.
Whether you’re at the office or working from home, turn to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) this summer for reliable businesses and refreshing tips to help you beat the heat.
Ensure you are prepared for the heat
The heat is not going anywhere and this may be the year to invest in a quality heat, ventilation and air conditioning system. The BBB can help you find a reliable HVAC company in your area. Using our one-stop-shop "Get A Quote" service can quickly get quotes from a variety of providers in one go.
Installing ceiling fans and personal desk fans will also help and use far less energy than AC. You can also use blackout curtains and window reflectors to help keep the heat out.
"The summer is a busy time of year for HVAC and housekeeping businesses and finding a reliable option within your budget can be daunting," says Neesha Hothi, BBB spokesperson serving Mainland BC.
"With the BBB's Get-A-Quote service, you can compare the price quotes and availability of many reliable businesses in your area quickly and efficiently. This helps your sift through an overwhelming amount of research in one go. And working with BBB Accredited Businesses also helps you avoid possible scams, that no one wants to deal with."
Stay on top of repair and maintenance that heat-proof your home.
Use caulking and weather stripping to seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows and outlets to prevent the cool air from escaping and hot air from coming in. The same goes for an AC ducts, ensure they fit snuggly and insulate around any gaps. Notably, doors and windows require a different approach than fireplaces and chimneys. This is a good reason to hire a professional, someone with experience draft proofing various parts of the home. Look for the Sign of a Better Business by going to BBB.org and trusting an Accredited Business to get the job done right.
Ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently.
Ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently will also help you stay cool and save money in the long run. For example, many people ignore changing the air filter which can be come clogged and thus slow air flow, meaning it takes longer to cool your home and ultimately costs you more. You don't want to over crank the air conditioner either, which can cause increased wear and tear. Try setting and forgetting it. By having your air conditioner serviced regularly you can ensure it is in top working order.
Lastly, install a smart thermostat. There are some that can detect motion and help regulate the temperature, and some even consider the local weather. The result is your HVAC system works less and saves you money.
Consider what is plugged in and when you're using it.
Anything plugged in produces heat, so unplug any and all devices you aren't actively using. Run your dishwasher and do your laundry in the late evening to ensure the heat they generate doesn't add to the already high daytime temperatures.
Have a personal plan.
There are many small things one can do personally to stay cool as well. Wear light coloured clothes and light fabrics. Stay hydrated and ensure you have fast and easy access to water at work and your home office. Consider keeping a cooler with cold water in your vehicle if you commute to work.
However, if you start to feel overheated, keep yourself safe. Is there a nearby space you can go that is cool, such as a library, community centre, or mall? You can also spray your body down with water, use a cold compress or take a cool shower. Ensure you know the signs of heat illness and how to respond. Check out more safety tips from Fraser Health.
