Hot summers in Texas can be brutal! It can feel pretty miserable, but it can also wreak havoc on the environment, our landscaping, and our homes. Whether you were born and raised in Texas or are new to the state, it’s important to learn how to deal with our unique climate. The months from June through September can be sweltering in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, and it’s often described as a humid subtropical climate. However, as the long summer drags on, particularly in August, the temperatures can climb to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher! Add dry winds that are common in DFW, and that can be problematic. That’s why conserving water is a must. Let’s look at some pre-summer tips to stay cool and conserve water this summer.
Staying Cool While Outdoors
We naturally want to be outdoors when the sun is out, and the weather is warm. However, sometimes it’s simply too hot to be outdoors for long periods of time. Limit outdoor activity to thirty to sixty minutes at a time, then take a break indoors where you are out of the sun and in air conditioning. On those extremely hot days where heatstroke is a risk, children and pets should stay indoors as much as possible. Also, avoid being outside during the hottest time of day, usually noon to 7:00 p.m.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated on hot days. If you are going out, take cold bottled water with you at all times. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can be dehydrating. It’s also important to wear breathable, lightweight clothing in lighter colors (dark colors can hold the heat!). Something you can do to stay cool is bring personal cooling towels or other items that will keep you cool while outdoors. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
Staying Cool While Indoors
Before summer hits, have your air conditioner serviced by your HVAC provider to ensure it’s working in proper condition. Nothing is worse than coming home to a sweltering hot house because your air conditioner broke down. You should keep your thermostat temperature constant. People often change the temperature when they are not home to save energy and cost. However, that can cause the unit to work harder and cause your bill to be higher, too. While you might like your house to feel cooler, the average temperature you should keep your thermostat at is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Change your HVAC filter regularly to help keep your unit working at its best performance.
Ellis Air Conditioner And Heating, located in Dallas, has some great tips on their website for caring for your HVAC, as well as other great tips to stay cool and conserve energy in your home. In addition to your air conditioner, using your ceiling fans can help circulate the cooler air throughout your home.
Conserving Water
Texans are asked to conserve water during the hot summer months to help preserve our resources in case of droughts. Conserving water helps save us money, as well. The largest use of water in the summer months in Texas are usually for irrigation purposes. Follow these water conservation tips from the Texas Water Development Board to help fellow Texans across the state.
Water your lawn before sunrise to prevent the water from evaporating, and do not water your lawn when it’s windy. Raising your lawn mower cutting height to three inches helps shade the roots and reduce lawn evaporation as well. Make sure your sprinklers do not leak and that they are only aimed to water the lawn, not streets or sidewalks. Lawns typically require daily watering from June through August. Smart irrigation systems can help conserve water and energy by detecting if a certain amount of rain is predicted, certain temperatures, or if wind is predicted. They can control the amount of irrigation to use based on those factors where the lawn should not be watered.
If you own a swimming pool, you can help conserve water by using a pool cover to help prevent evaporation. Fountains, waterfalls, and other features in the pool should be turned off when not in use, as well.
For more informative articles about the Dallas-Fort Worth market, visit our blog. Stay cool and enjoy your summer!
