How to Stay Cool in a Georgia Summer Without Overworking Your AC
Georgia summers bring high heat and high humidity. Air conditioning does the heavy lifting, but a few habits can keep your home more comfortable and take some load off the system.
Block the sun
Close blinds and curtains on sunny windows during the hottest part of the day, especially on south- and west-facing sides. Light-colored or blackout curtains make a noticeable difference.
Move air where you are
A fan does not lower the room temperature, but moving air helps your body feel cooler. Turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not spaces.
Know how evaporative coolers work
Evaporative coolers cool air by adding moisture. They work best in dry climates. On very humid days in Georgia they cool less and add humidity, so use them with a window cracked open, or rely on fans and AC instead.
Watch for heat illness
- Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Check on older neighbors and relatives during heat waves.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
- Seek medical help for confusion, fainting or a very high body temperature.
