Too Hot to Handle

Summer in Maine has arrived in all her glory. On the heels of a mild winter (thanks in part to the El Niño weather phenomena) climate experts predict that the country has begun to transition into a different weather phenomena: La Niña. Typically, when these two weather phenomena begin a transition from one to another, it can put an entire region into a holding pattern of atmospheric conditions. Unfortunately for Mainers, this holding pattern means an unusually humid, hot summer, with temperatures predicted to stay between 60-80% higher than average and precipitation expected to be between 40-50% higher. In the words of the Farmers’ Almanac, we’re in for a “sultry and soggy” one. In an effort to stay safe and comfortable while also prioritizing energy efficiency, we’ve put together some useful tips for making the most of the (practically tropical) cards we’ve been dealt this year. 

Overexposure to heat can lead to issues such as exhaustion, sunburns, cramps, sunstroke or heatstroke. Especially for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, people with pre-existing health conditions, people with disabilities, laborers, emergency responders, incarcerated people, low income communities, pregnant people, and athletes, high temperatures such as the ones we are already seeing this summer can pose a serious threat. Exposure to heat may result in more severe health risks or death because the strain of regulating core body temperature can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, including cerebral, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, some medications (such as some antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers) taken for a chronic illness may also increase sensitivity to heat by interfering with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, fluids, or electrolytes. 

Prevention is the best response to extreme heat and some tips for staying cool and safe during heat waves are:

• Stay on top of staying hydrated (don’t wait until you are thirsty) with non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids
• Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible
• Schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening, rather than middle of the day
• Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (between 2-4pm) and try to avoid strenuous activity during this time
• Use a buddy system when working outdoors in extreme heat and take frequent breaks to cool off and hydrate
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes (especially linen and cotton fabrics) that cover as much skin as possible 
• Protect the face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) 
• Read the side effects of any medications you are taking and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure might interact with them
• Take advantage of public parks, pools, water bodies, or other outdoor assets that can offer cooling relief during hot weather
• Remember to never leave children or pets alone in a parked car; temperatures in a car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes (even with a window open)
• To quickly cool a car that has been sitting closed up, unroll only the passenger’s window then rapidly open and almost close the driver’s side door several times to create a bellows effect and push the heated air out of the car

Summer Energy-Saving Ideas (in part from Central Electric Cooperative’s website):

• When out of the house, consider setting the temperature to a higher temperature or using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust for daily outings.
• Utilize natural ventilation and open windows in the mornings and evenings to let cooler air in.
• Utilize window coverings to block out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and keep your home cooler. By using window coverings, heat gain can be reduced by as much as 40%.
• Invest in energy efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption, such as those with the Energy Star label.
• Instead of relying solely on air conditioning to keep cool, consider using a combination of fans and natural ventilation to cool your home. Ceiling fans or portable fans can circulate air and create a wind-chill effect. Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room, as they cool people, not spaces.
• Regularly maintain your cooling system to keep it functioning optimally by cleaning or replacing filters to ensure proper air flow, keeping outdoor condenser units free from obstructions (such as leaves or debris) to maintain its efficiency, and having central air or ductless systems inspected annually by an HVAC technician.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings by using weather stripping or caulk to keep cool air in and warm air out. This tip will serve you year-round!
• Consider planting trees or installing awnings and shades on windows to block direct sunlight, as the natural shade will reduce the amount of heat entering your home. Outdoor window shutters or awnings placed over windows exposed to direct sunlight can reduce heat gain by a whopping 70%!
• Try to use appliances which generate heat – such as ovens, stoves and clothes dryers – during the cooler parts of the day to avoid putting undue strain on your cooling system.
• Ventilate the attic using vents or an attic fan (to keep hot air from building up) and check that attic insulation is adequate. 
• Turn off any heat-generating appliances (such as TVs, computers, and lights) when you’re not using them.

By implementing any or all of these energy-saving tips, you can make a significant impact on your energy usage and reduce your summer electricity bills. Every small step counts! 

The grim reality of summer is that it’s really hot and household cooling efforts can be expensive. The kitchen is a great place to conserve some energy, while still celebrating the bounty of summer produce. The US Department of Energy estimates that about 15% of an average household’s energy costs originate in the kitchen. Two excellent ways to conserve energy in the kitchen are by cooking in larger batches (such as 4-8 serving meals) and opting for raw ingredients that can be enjoyed without turning on the heat. Grated carrots, cabbage, radish and beets make simple and delicious additions to salads and sandwiches. Matchstick turnips, cucumbers, celery, carrots, zucchini, broccoli stalks and more are a lovely, summer “picnic snack” when served with dips or in salad.