We love the tropical oasis we call home, but let’s face it: Florida can get hot, especially in the summertime. There are plenty of ways to find reprieve outdoors, like visiting the beach or jumping in the pool, but what about ways to cool off while inside? A/C is something most if not all of us are blessed to have, but sometimes on especially hot and humid days, you can still feel the heat. Let this blog post be your go-to guide on those days! Here, we’ll list and dissect some top-secret, totally doable hacks to beat the heat on the warmest of days. 

Combat the humidity

Florida’s average relative humidity is 75%, and that number can get even higher in summer months like July, which we’re in right now. A/C in your home may keep you cool by blasting cold air, but it doesn’t have any method to directly combat humidity. How can you do this? There are actually a number of solutions! Firstly, to minimize the overall humidity in your home, make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed when shut; in other words, any little crack present can allow unwanted humidity to enter, and that not only breeds a humid environment, but it can produce mold, too. In rooms with little to no airflow like closets and bathrooms, fight off mustiness by placing some moisture absorbers in the room, like ones by DampRid. For the entire house, you can invest in a dehumidifier to not only cool the room, but get rid of airborne pollutants. 

Get a good night’s sleep

Did you know that the ideal temperature you should be sleeping in is on or around 65 degrees Fahrenheit? According to Healthline, your body’s circadian rhythm is when your body regulates its own temperature, and when the room is cool, your body starts to release its heat through your hands and toes. Maybe you keep your home this cool already, but if you don’t--and don’t want to make your air conditioning work too hard--there are other things you can do to get a cool, good night’s sleep. One of our favorite cooling and sustainable bedding brands is Buffy. Buffy sells numerous items designed to keep you cool at night, like a comforter made from eucalyptus and linen sheets made from hemp. Eucalyptus is cool to the touch and breathable, and hemp absorbs CO2 from the air and is resistant to UV light, mold, and mildew. If you already have bedding that you love, you can also invest in a cooling mattress pad. 

Stave off the heat during the day

When the sun is shining outside and blaring direct light through your windows, hotspots of heat can form. For this dilemma, you can do one of two things: Firstly, you can install films on the inside of your windows. These window films can save energy and block heat and UV light. Or, if you don’t like the tint, sheer curtains can mimic the same effect to a lesser extent, giving you a bright room while also keeping the heat at bay. Keeping cool around the house can also be done from the inside out! While home, avoid turning on the stove when making lunch. Opt for something like this Greek grain salad, and pair it with a cool drink for a bonus! If you have people over or need to cook using heat, do so outside on the grill!

Stay cool!