COOL DOWN YOUR AIR CONDITIONING COSTS

We all love to stay cool during the sizzling summer heat, but we don’t want air conditioning to overheat our bank accounts.

David

MacDonald, owner of Fruitland Parkbased M & S Air Conditioning, provides helpful tips to keep people from being hot under the collar when that monthly utility bill arrives.

is 78 degrees. Anything under 78 degrees represents more money. Since it cools down somewhat at night, you may want to consider setting the thermostat around 82 degrees.” able temperature as opposed to an entire 2,000 square-foot house.”

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“If you want to balance comfort and cost, be sure the lowest you set your thermostat

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“People spend one-third of their lives in their bedrooms. It would be wise to have a separate air conditioning unit for your master bedroom. That way, you can keep your bedroom temperature at 78, while the rest of the house— which you’re not using when you are asleep—can be set at 85 degrees. It costs less money to keep your bedroom at a comfort-

Ways To Beat The Heat

HOW TO AVOID SKIN CANCER AND SUNBURN:

• Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply the sunscreen every two or three hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

• The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try limiting sun exposure during these hours.

• Cover your eyes with sunglasses, cover your feet with shoes, cover your arms with long-sleeved shirts, and cover your legs with pants. Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing.

Source: sheknows.com/parenting/articles/995249/ dangers-of-sun-burn

HOW TO AVOID HEAT CRAMPS: t-weight clothing cles/995249/ eaks

• Take frequent rest breaks and allow yourself to cool down.

• Drink electrolytecontaining sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.

“Have maintenance performed on your air conditioner at least two times each year. Dirty filters and debris-filled coils cause more strain on your unit. A wellmaintained air conditioning unit will keep your utility bill down and prolong the life of your unit.”

“Consider purchasing a solar attic fan. It helps vent hot air outside while drawing cool air into the attic. Plus, they are energy efficient because their power comes from the sun.”

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• Consume electrolyte-rich food before going outside. Food rich in electrolytes include spinach, turnip greens, bananas, tomatoes, and oranges.

• Remove excess clothing during physical activity.

Source: Mayo Clinic

HOW TO AVOID HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE: g to avoid it hotter sunscreen b itself normal tempe can pr

• Exercise in the morning or evening and try to avoid it during hotter parts of the day.

• Apply sunscreen because sunburn effects your body’s ability to cool itself.

• Stay hydrated to maintain a normal body temperature.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol because both can accelerate the dehydration process.

Source: May

Source: Mayo Clinic