June is nearly over, and the hottest months of the summer are right behind it! Northern Virginia is kicking it off with a heat wave from Tuesday-Thursday. Be prepared for 95 degree weather! For those of us who anticipate the heat, this is great news, but for many, weather above 75 can be severely uncomfortable, as well as dangerous! Here are 5 tips for staying on top of the heat wave this summer!

1. Be sure your Air Conditioning is running smoothly

This, of course, is a big one. Keeping your A/C unit maintained will help assure you that your A/C will be pumping full force for this heat wave! If your air conditioning breaks down, it’s best to call a professional to fix it. In the worst case scenario, seek relief at a mall, movie theater or bookstore, someplace cool where you can pass the time during the warmest parts of the day.

2. Stay hydrated

Drink water! This is important every day, but especially on days that reach into the 90s when your body’s natural reaction is to sweat. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, like carbonated or alcoholic drinks. Be sure to drink more than you’d usually need. Replenishing the liquid in your body is a large part of what keeps your body temperature low.

3. Leave no one in the car

This is an obvious, but extremely important rule of summer. Don’t leave your children or pets in the car for any amount of time. An 80 degree day outside is easily up to 125 inside a vehicle. Even short amounts of time can be extremely damaging. So remember to bring the kids in, even for quick stops, and leave the doggies at home during heat waves!

4. Slow down

Strenuous activities need to be reduced or eliminated on these hot days. If you work outdoors, keep hydrated and try to take frequent breaks in the shade. Pace yourself if you feel that outdoor exercise is necessary. Be sure to pay close attention to how your body is reacting the heat and exertion. If your heart is pounding or your abnormally short of breath, stop immediately and find a cool place to rest and rehydrate.

5. What to wear

During the heat wave, be sure to wear clothing that’s loose fitting and lightweight. Light colored clothing and natural fabrics will help to keep the heat at bay. Avoid wearing cotton, polyester and flannel fabrics that will hold heat, causing your body temperature to rise. Try something like a lightweight linen.

Of course, as a heating and air conditioning company, we put your A/C first! But all of these measures are important to take if you wish to stay healthy and comfortable during this week’s heat wave! You can call us for more tips, and when it comes to cooling your home, we’ve got you covered! If you do happen to experience any form of heat reaction, be sure to contact 911 in an emergency!

Keep your family cool and safe during the heat! Give us a call for your A/C maintenance service today! You’ll be glad you did!