Spectrum 2009 - July 14th

Staying Safe as Summer Heat Rises
July 14, 2009

Summer is here, and it’s heating up in the Sacramento region. With temperatures rising to 100 degrees and beyond, staying cool can mean the difference between life and death, especially for seniors. A two-week heat wave in July 2006 resulted in the death of 143 people in California.

For some, escaping to the mall or a tall, cold ice tea can go a long way. The two basic tenets of keeping cool are to avoid being in the sun for long periods of time and staying hydrated.

During sustained heat waves, characterized by temperatures over 100 degrees during the day that do not dip below 75 at night, cooling centers are often open around the state as part of the Heat Emergency Plan.

In lieu of making the trip to a designated cooling center, one may opt to gather with friends at a local church, public library, pool or community center. The importance of social connections is exemplified during the summer months when heat-related illness can come on suddenly. Gathering with friends a few days each week will not only ensure that everyone is well, but it will save the cost of cooling several homes in the midst of a heat wave.

For those planning to ride out the hot days at home, just a few simple steps can keep the house cool. Dave Thompson, founder of Thompson’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Woodland, notes: “There are a number of things a homeowner can do, starting with keeping your system well-maintained.”

Thompson recommends hiring a professional to check out the unit along with the duct work. “A professional will ensure that the system is oiled correctly, that there is enough Freon and that the duct work is connected properly.”

Thompson notes that homeowners should ask for a second opinion on repairs since “98 to 99 percent of homes have leaky duct work, which amounts to cooling attic space instead of living spaces.”

Shutting off the air vents in unused rooms can backfire if the duct work is not properly sealed, as a closed vent will increase the pressure in the duct work and possibly push more cool air through the leaks. If the duct work is properly sealed, then using a damper to divert airflow from unused rooms can be an efficient cooling strategy.

Some maintenance can be completed by the homeowner, too, including keeping the air filter clean and hosing down the outside unit every few weeks during hot weather. To keep the condenser outside working at maximum efficiency, Thompson recommends keeping the unit in a shady area by planting shrubs around it or building a lattice.

“And remember to keep a 1-foot clearance around the perimeter,” he said.

Thompson acknowledges that service rates are generally higher during the peak summer heat, so it’s advisable to schedule those appointments early. Plan on servicing the heating system for winter in late September, and schedule air conditioner maintenance in April or May. Schedules are typically more flexible, and the rates may be one-third of what customers will pay in the middle of the season.

Ceiling fans, portable room fans or windows units can be used strategically to lower temperatures and reduce heavy central air system usage.

Ceiling fans come with forward and reverse settings. In forward mode, the fan will blow air down – which is advised in conjunction with central air because it will distribute cool air down – creating a nice breeze. During the winter months, using reverse mode will circulate the warmer air near the ceiling without creating a direct breeze.

There is no universal direction for reverse and forward modes, as the design of the blades differ from model to model. To determine which setting to use, turn off the fan at the light switch, and wait for the blades to stop turning. Use a step stool to locate the switch near the origin of the blades, and stand under the fan to determine should turn clockwise or counter-clockwise.

To improve the efficiency of cooling units, shut off heat-producing appliances when they’re not in use. Hang towels on the clothes line, air dry the dishes, and turn off the TV when it’s not being watched. Draw the shades when you can, and keep the fridge and freezer doors closed.

In the long run, the best way to naturally cool your home is to plant shade trees and shrubs around the perimeter of your house. Vegetation is naturally cooler than hard surfaces, and it will not absorb as much heat. Awnings and sunscreens can also be used to shield your home from the sun.

During the winter months, it’s common to take precautions to prevent hypothermia. But heat strokes are a potentially fatal condition and a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of up to 106 degrees.

Heat strokes can be exacerbated by dehydration, and the elderly are uniquely susceptible. Conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, and some medications, make an individual more vulnerable to heat stroke. Consult with your physician about the precautions to take if you’re at risk.

Symptoms of a heat stroke include muscle cramps, headaches, weakness and fatigue, vomiting, nausea and dizziness. The best thing to do if some of these symptoms are present is to seek a cooler environment and spray the skin with cool water while awaiting medical professionals.

Additionally, if you’re experiencing the discomfort that comes with a heat wave, remember to check on your pets. Contact your veterinarian for tips on how your pet should be groomed during the summer months, and make sure outdoor animals have water and plenty of shade to escape the direct sunlight.

Hard surfaces such as asphalt or even wood decks can be too hot to walk across, so make sure water is accessible in a cool spot. Occasionally test the temperature of your pet’s water, and add ice cubes if necessary.

Just a few simple steps will help keep us cool and healthy this summer, and with a bit of planning, you’ll be ready for next year, as well.