SUMMER’S SWELTER has engulfed most of the state by now, with its warm mornings and scorching afternoons. It’s especially important during this time of year to stay cool, but you don’t have to spend a lot to stay comfortable through the hot temperatures.

The most effective way to beat the heat is to stay indoors and harness the combined cooling power of air conditioning and fans. Fans help you feel cooler and allow you to set your thermostat higher, saving you energy and money. Better yet, install a programmable thermostat to increase the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home. Automating energy-saving behaviors can have a big impact on your electricity bill and takes one small thing off your mental daily to-do list.

To keep cool air inside your home, use caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors. And close curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep solar heat outside.

In the evenings, once the heat has modestly relented, shake off staying indoors, and enjoy a picnic or cookout in your backyard or perhaps at a park. Cooking outdoors keeps heat from the oven and stove out of the kitchen, lessening the burden on your home’s cooling system.

If you do opt to cook indoors, try using a slow cooker, air fryer or pressure cooker to minimize energy use and avoid adding residual heat to the air in your home.

Indoors or out, wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and drink plenty of water. Try to limit outdoor work to morning hours before it really heats up. Take frequent breaks and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause
dehydration.

Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. If you begin experiencing these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and get somewhere cool immediately. Left
untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Finally, as the heat crests over these next several weeks, please keep a watchful eye on friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly, ill or lack access to cool places of respite. We can weather the heat best working together.