When Philadelphia hits a stretch of 95-degree days, shared brick walls soak up heat and hand it back all night. The top floor gets it worst. Here is how to fight back.
Close up in the morning
Open windows at night and early morning when the air is cooler, then shut windows and blinds by 10am. Light-blocking curtains on south and west windows make a real difference.
Move air, then cool it
A box fan facing out of a top-floor window pulls hot air up and out of the house. Where window units won't fit, a portable air conditioner with a window kit can cool a bedroom without blocking the view.
Sleep cooler
- Switch to breathable cotton sheets.
- Keep a damp towel in the freezer for the back of your neck.
- Shut off electronics you are not using, since they add heat.
Check on neighbors. Heat is hardest on older adults and people living alone. A quick knock on the door matters during a heat health emergency.
Don't forget the pets
Hot sidewalks burn paws. Walk dogs early or late, carry water and rinse paws when you get home.
See portable cooling on the Handy Gadgets stall.
By the Central Purchase team, Philadelphia.