Beat The Quad City Summertime Heat

Summer time means heat and humidity in the Quad Cities. We crank the A/C as soon and the thermometer hits 80. Is there any other way to beat the heat? The answer is yes!

When I was growing up, we didn't have air conditioning. We lived in a old all brick house. When that brick would heat up it would get HOT! According to Fox News,  there are a few ways to stay cool at home when you don't have A/C.

1.  Turn off lights and unplug TVs and computers.  Electrical appliances emit heat, and TVs and computers are some of the hottest.  And even if they're turned OFF, they can still heat up a room just by being plugged in.

2.  Keep the shades closed.  It seems obvious, but it makes a BIG difference . . . especially in rooms that face the sun.

3.  Use windows and fans.  As soon as the temperature starts to drop in the evening, open doors and windows to get a breeze going throughout the house.  If there's no breeze, use fans.

4.  Use cotton sheets.  Sheets made out of flannel or silk can trap heat and make you feel hot during the night.  Cotton sheets let your skin breathe and even wick away moisture from your skin.

5.  Freeze your sheets and pillowcases.  It sounds weird, but the coolness should last long enough for you to fall asleep on a hot night.

6.  Grill instead of using the stove.  Using the stove or oven heats up the kitchen, if not the entire house.  Hot summer days are a perfect time to fire up the barbecue and keep all that cooking heat OUTSIDE.

So now you know how to stay cool and you can attend any of the local fairs this month like the Rock Island County Fair. I'll be there tonight from 8-11 with cardboard karaoke. Just don't forget to take your sheets out of the freezer.