The Philippines is a tropical country, with fairly pleasant warm weather throughout the year. There are also seasonal typhoons and cooler days towards the end of the year. But during the so-called “summer” season, the temperature rises to scorching levels. In some parts of the country, the heat index can go up to 40 degrees Celsius or even higher. The heat index is how people perceive the temperature is, which is based on the actual air temperature and relative humidity.
For many Filipinos, this kind of heat can be unbearable. That’s why they look for different methods to stay cool, like going to the beach or blasting their air conditioners in the coldest possible setting. However, these aren’t your only options. There are affordable ways to beat the summer heat while you’re at home.
Whether you already have an air conditioner or thinking of getting an air cooling unit, here are simple and practical tips you can do to stay cool and comfortable without spending too much:
Consider Getting An Air Cooler
In case you have a limited budget, a more affordable alternative to an air conditioner is an air cooler. An air cooler produces cool air by using a fan to blow hot air through a water-soaked medium. When air passes through the medium, the water evaporates—which cools the air in a room. Compared to air conditioning units, air coolers are more economical. They are cheaper to buy and consume less energy.
When buying an air cooler in the Philippines, consider the appliance’s water tank capacity and the room you want to cool. For a small room, a lower tank capacity will do; a larger room requires an air cooler with a bigger tank to continuously blow out cool air.
Regularly Clean Your Air Conditioner
If you already have an air conditioner installed in your home, make sure to clean it regularly to keep the appliance in top working condition for a long time. Whether you have a split-type or window-type air conditioner, clean the filters every two to four weeks to remove dust and dirt buildup. The debris that accumulates on the filter can hinder the unit from providing cool, clean air and make the unit work twice as hard—which uses more energy.
Also, hire aircon technicians to thoroughly clean your air conditioner every 6 to 12 months. While hiring a professional to maintain your unit costs more than doing it yourself, they have the expertise to point out minor issues that needs repair as they clean the unit. This way, you can avoid any major repairs later on or even extend the life of your appliance.
Adjust the Position of Your Fan
Many people limit the hours of using their air conditioners and air coolers to reduce their electricity bills. When these appliances aren’t in use, they turn on electric fans to circulate the air to make them feel cooler. If you practice something similar and you still feel warm, you need to take a closer look at how your fans are positioned.
By adjusting your fans’ location, you can lower the temperature indoors by letting more cool air enter your home. To let cool air blow inward, place your fan by the window in the coolest area of your house. Typically, this is the spot that gets the most shade. Make sure that the back of the fan is towards the window, and the front is facing the area you want to cool. On the other side of your house, place a fan facing out the window to push hot air out.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most effective and simplest ways to stay cool is by keeping yourself hydrated. Make sure to drink lots of water, especially on a scorching hot summer day. If you’re tired of tasteless plain water, try infusing your drink with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can try the refreshing mix of cucumber with lemon. Slice some lemon and cucumber and put them in a pitcher filled with water. Let it cool in the fridge before grabbing a glass of infused water.
Lower Your Body Temperature
Another way to survive the summer heat is by keeping your body cool. While you can quickly do this by sipping ice-cold drinks, you can also apply a cold cloth to your body’s pressure points. Simply soak a cloth in cold water and squeeze out the excess water. Then, apply the cloth to your wrists and neck. As an alternative, you can also have a cold shower to cool your body down.
Wear Clothes Made of Breathable Fabrics
The material of the clothes you’re wearing can contribute to how cool or warm you feel. For example, polyester can feel warm on your body because it traps sweat and heat. Meanwhile, cotton is a breathable fabric and allows air to penetrate through the clothes, which helps keep you cool.
Turning on the air conditioner is an effective way to feel cool indoors during summer. However, there are also other methods you can use to feel more comfortable without increasing your energy consumption. Try any of these easy and affordable ways to stay cool even on the hottest days and keep your electricity bill at a manageable level.