What products are good for staying cool without AC?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat events cause mild to deadly health complications. To help people across the nation better prepare for these unhealthy conditions and prevent heat-related illnesses and death, the government has recently launched heat.gov. If you do not have an air conditioner, heat waves are dangerous because your body has no chance for relief. We’ll go over how to stay cool without AC in these relentless high temperatures and the products you need to do so, including the Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Curtains approved by the BestReviews Testing Lab.
In this article: Igloo Half-Gallon, High-Performance Sports Jug, Hunter Fan Company Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan and Jisulife Portable Neck Fan
Why is heat so dangerous?
According to the Mayo Clinic, to function properly, the human body must maintain a core temperature between 97 and 99 degrees. Once the body drops below or rises above this temperature, it invites various illnesses. To maintain this functional core temperature, the weather needs to be roughly 82 degrees.
When the body’s core temperature rises, blood is diverted from vital organs and directed toward the skin to help release internal heat. Additionally, the water in your skin is excreted as sweat. To evaporate, it requires energy in the form of heat. With limited blood flowing to vital organs and a rapidly diminishing water supply, your body can quickly fall into a life-threatening crisis.
What are the symptoms of heat-related illnesses?
Both external and internal heat is a problem. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated and wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. Additionally, heat-related illnesses have an immediate or cumulative effect on an individual, with symptoms intensifying over several days.
The primary symptoms of heat-related illness are:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Thirst
- Mild shock
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Unconsciousness
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
It can help to keep these two heat-related illnesses clear in your mind by remembering that exhaustion is something that builds up over time, while a stroke is something that strikes suddenly with a substantial impact.
Heat exhaustion
With heat exhaustion, the body becomes fatigued from trying to maintain its core temperature. An individual suffering from heat exhaustion requires help to maintain their body heat. This is accomplished by moving them to a cooler area and replenishing fluids.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke happens when the body has lost the battle and your core temperature rises. This can happen suddenly or be the result of prolonged heat exhaustion. It is a life-threatening illness, so immediate medical attention is required. While waiting for help to arrive, get the person out of direct sunlight and try to cool them down with whatever means is available.
What are some strategies you can employ to stay cool during an extreme heat wave?
The key factors to staying safe during extreme heat are:
- Be aware of the temperature and humidity: Be sure to check the weather in your area before departing.
- Avoid going outdoors, especially for prolonged periods: If possible, don’t stay outside in extreme heat to prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Remove yourself from dangerous environments, such as a car interior: Cars quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures and objects within a car get hot, which may cause burns.
- Wear lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing: Light clothes reflect heat, thus keeping you cooler.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Engaging in intense physical activity in the heat makes the body release fluids more quickly, potentially leading to heat stress when sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly enough to cool the body.
- Stay hydrated: Hydrating with water helps keep your body at a normal temperature.
- Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet A and B rays by using sunscreen.
- Switch to LED light bulbs: Incandescent lighting is less energy-efficient and produces more heat than LED lighting.
Products that help you stay cool without AC
Best products for healthy hydration
Igloo Half-Gallon, High-Performance Sports Jug
Trying to stay cool without drinking water is like running an air conditioner without refrigerant. This half-gallon, insulated jug has a flip cap that snaps closed to prevent spills and a wide mouth that allows chugging.
The double-wall structure of this stainless steel insulated tumbler ensures your beverage will stay cold. It has an innovative magnetic seal that keeps the lid closed. The tumbler is bisphenol A-free, features a no-sweat design and is dishwasher-safe.
Best blackout curtains
Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Curtains
The easiest way to stay cool is not to let your home or apartment get hot in the first place. The Eclipse Fresno blackout curtain is approved by the BestReviews Testing Lab. It can keep up to 99% of home-warming sunlight out of your living space, providing an impressive barrier against summer heat. They come in six neutral colors that will complement a variety of indoor spaces.
BGment Thermal Blackout Curtains
These blackout curtains are another great choice. They block 85% to 99% of sunlight and ultraviolet rays, depending on the color you choose. If you’re looking for more color variety, these are the ones to get — there are 38 options ranging from brights to darks. Keep in mind that darker colors are the most effective at absorbing heat.
Best fans
Air King Whole House Window Fan
When used properly, a window fan is extremely effective at expelling household heat or bringing in cooling air. This model has three speeds, a front-mounted switch and a powder-coated steel front grill.
Hunter Fan Company Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan
Circulating air evens out the overall temperature of a room. More importantly, when a breeze crosses the body, it helps with evaporation and lets you to cool down with greater efficiency. This whisper-quiet ceiling fan is energy efficient and has a long-lasting, dimmable LED light.
This personal fan keeps you cool as you move throughout your home. It comes in several colors and has two adjustable wind speeds. It has a rechargeable battery requiring a USB port to charge. It has an anti-slip design that makes it comfortable to hold.
Get hands-free cool air with a portable neck fan. This fan has 78 air outlets around the neck. It has a battery lasting up to 16 hours. It also has a quiet operation and is made of eco-friendly plastic and silicone.
Best cooling bedding
This lightweight blanket is perfect for people who get extremely hot at night. It’s made of a special cooling fabric that absorbs body heat to keep you cool. You can get it in five sizes and 10 colors.
One of the most uncomfortable times during a heat wave is the night. Your body needs a cooling bedsheet that allows for air exchange. This luxuriously soft bamboo option helps regulate your body temperature, giving you a more pleasant night’s sleep, even without air conditioning.
Your pillow is another bedtime necessity that causes more harm than good as it traps heat. This cooling pillow is made of ultrasoft, gel-infused memory foam that helps diffuse body heat for a more comfortable sleeping experience.
Best ice makers
HomeLabs Countertop Ice Maker Machine
Ice can be used in drinks and on your body, cooling you from the inside and the outside. This countertop ice maker can make up to 26 pounds of refreshing coolness daily. It features a compact design, so it is suitable for a kitchen with limited space.
Frigidaire Portable Compact Ice Maker
This is a more affordable alternative to the HomeLabs model. This compact Frigidaire ice maker produces 26 pounds of ice per day. It comes in four finishes, so you can match it with your other kitchen appliances.
Other products to help beat the heat
Make some sweet treats to cool you down with this popsicle mold. The brand offers six-, 10- and 12-popsicle options. The flexible silicone makes them easy to remove. You also get reusable sticks, a pouring funnel and a cleaning brush.
The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat
This cooling mat will keep your beloved pet comfortable on hot days. The pressure-activated mat contains a special cooling gel. It’s lightweight, foldable and can be taken on the go. It comes in three sizes to accommodate different pets.
HyperChiller HC2W Beverage Cooler
Your drinks will stay ice cold in the heat with this beverage cooler. It’s compatible with most coffee makers for those who love iced coffee. Simply fill it with water, place it in the freezer and add your go-to drink once it’s fully frozen.
In addition to reducing facial puffiness, if you have a sunburn or simply want to cool down, this ice roller can help. You can use it wherever you want on your face or body. The roller freezes in 10 to 15 minutes, so you don’t have to wait long for relief.
Worth checking out
- The BedJet 3 cooling system can help you sleep more comfortably by wicking away body heat and moisture from your bed.
- This stylish pajama set is made of bamboo fabric with natural cooling capabilities.
- Cool down and enjoy delicious frozen treats at home with the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker.
- You can fill this extra-long hot water bottle with cold water to help keep you cool.
- When frozen, these cooling towels stay chilled for up to three hours.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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