As summer comes to an end, we can all reflect on how different this summer was in comparison to usual San Diego summers. We as San Diegans are used to a mild summer with a soft west breeze from the Pacific. We normally do not have the hot and humid climate that we experienced in the last couple of months. And although this humidity and heat was unusual for San Diego, it made me think of different ways to stay cool.
There are many things that we can do to make ourselves more comfortable when it is a particularly hot and humid day. Below are a few suggestions to consider.
Install ceiling fans – By installing ceiling fans in the living/family rooms and the bedrooms, you can make your house climate comfortable. This is a relatively inexpensive way to cool your house without running the central air conditioning, which uses far more energy than ceiling fans.
Enjoy backyard and garden living – Whenever possible, you can use your backyard or garden areas for dining and entertaining. This is a great way to stay cool, particularly on a hot summer evening. You can even have a movie night outside by bringing a TV into your yard and setting up a mini outdoor theater.
No stove and oven use – Avoid heating the house up by not using your stove and oven. You can barbecue outside, which is a wonderful way to spend a summer evening. You can also prepare foods that do not require using the oven or stove, such as a large garden dinner salad or many other kinds of cold summer salads. You can also get “take out” and bring it home. Or have a potluck with friends and have them bring different dishes of foods that everyone can enjoy.
Shower – We have all heard of a cold shower. Well, taking a cold shower is a great way to reduce your body’s temperature and to feel completely refreshed. This is a fast and effective way to deal with a hot summer day.
Swim – If you are lucky enough to have a pool, use it. Invite friends and family over for an old-fashioned pool party. If you do not have your own pool, there are many places you can swim, which is a great way to cool off. There are several wonderful community swimming pools around town like the one in Balboa Park located in Morley Field and the amazing pool at the Kroc Center on University Avenue, just east of College Avenue. Also, if you are a member of a gym, there is often a pool available for you to enjoy. You may have a friend or a neighbor who has a pool and is happy to share it with you. Swimming is a fantastic way to become refreshed while also getting some good exercise.
Go west – If you simply want get out of the house, remember, we have the amazing Pacific Ocean available to us, so take advantage of it. I know I am guilty of not going to the beach very often. But with the high temperature and humidity this summer, I made it a point on many evenings to reacquaint myself with many of the different beaches and coastal communities; which, by the way, are all beautiful and have their own flavor. It was a great way to stay cool and to re-explore San Diego.
The above suggestions are just a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to stay cool.
Until we meet again, enjoy your home life.
Trent St. Louis is a licensed Real Estate Agent and a member of the National, California and San Diego Associations of Realtors. You can reach Trent at The Metropolitan Group at 619-300-1621 or at SpecialAgentTrent@gmail.com CADRE#01273643.
Hi Trent,
Whew, it has been a hot summer hasn’t It? Thanks for all the ideas to stay cool, many of them are very effective. It is important too for older people to stay cool and chill out because they may not always be in touch with friends and families on a daily bases.
Your stories are always very informative and interesting and I look forward to them. Thank you very much.
Luke