Q: I will be spending my first summer in PV. How do I keep myself and my house cool and comfortable? Gene W. Montreal
A: Of course the obvious answer is to lock all the doors and windows, crank up your air conditioner and chill-out in a catatonic bliss. And let’s face it; on the hottest, most humid afternoons in the “dog days” of August, this can seem like a pretty good idea! However, this solution is not very frugal or eco-friendly, so here are some other tactics that have worked well for me:
1. Get the air moving. Even a slight movement of 1 mph can make you feel a few degrees cooler. Ceiling fans are the best; make sure the blades are pointed so the air is directed downward. Portable fans are great in spaces where ceiling fans will not work. Either option allows you to raise the thermostat on the A/C and still remain comfortable.
2. Install shades, drapes and blinds. The best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out! There are some excellent blinds out now that cut out the UVA rays, allow for privacy and still let in the view. Choose lighter colors that reflect the sun’s rays.
3. Keep down the internal heat. The largest indoor heat generators are the stove/oven and incandescent lighting. Try to cook outdoors on the hottest days and use your range fan to exhaust heat outside the home. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescents wherever possible. These produce one/fifth the amount of energy and hear for the same amount of light.
4. Plant trees and shrubs. Just several strategically placed shade trees can significantly reduce your energy bill. Tree shaded neighborhoods are typically 3-6 degrees cooler here. Avoid landscaping with un-shaded rock or cement especially on the south and west sides of the home as this increases temperatures around the house and radiates heat after the sun has set.
5. Dress the part. Avoid wearing clothing made from synthetic materials. Light colored clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen not only feels cool, it looks cool too. A nice sprinkling of talcum powder before dressing will keep you feeling cool. And if this fails, have a couple of gel packs or moist washcloths handy in the fridge. These feel great behind your neck on hot day.
6. Take advantage of cool places. Do your shopping, take in a movie, or enjoy a meal in an air conditioned restaurant during the hottest part of the day.
When all else fails and you need to use the air conditioner, make sure that the filters have been changed, nothing is blocking the air intakes and the system is fully charged. Also make sure your home is sealed tightly, there is no point in air conditioning the outside. And when you are sweaty and grumpy, don’t forget to drink lots of water and think cool thoughts. October will be here soon enough and you will be here enjoying perfect weather while your friends back home are facing six months of rain, sleet, snow and darkness!
Do you have a question about Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta? Just ask!
Active in local and national Real Estate boards; published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Michael Green moved here in 1997 to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers. Mike can be reached at: pvgetaways@hotmail.com
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