TEXAS — Summer is creeping up on us and much of Texas will be dealing with triple-digit heat all week. 

Records show Texas has not endured temperatures that high since Sept. 20 of last year. 

Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas

RELATED: ERCOT issues power warning ahead of triple-digit Texas heat

With the above-normal hot weather on its way, it’s critical to be mindful of your well-being. It’s probably better to get your errands done in the morning hours before the afternoon rolls around with even higher temps.

The National Weather Service warns residents that as temperatures spike, the more risky it will be to perform demanding tasks.  

 

But life happens, and we all don't have the luxury to put work on hold. So, here are some tips from Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating to follow to keep your body temp as stable as possible during the extremely hot days.

WHEN OUTSIDE:

  • If possible, avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day – usually noon to 7 p.m.
  • Wear lightweight protective clothing, including a hat. Make sure your clothes are breathable and light in color.
  • Drink plenty of water! Don’t allow yourself to get thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Drink water all day, not just when you are outside.
  • Seek out shade whenever possible.
  • Have cooling rags or damp cloths to help cool you down.

WHEN INSIDE:

  • Keep your HVAC system well maintained.
  • Make sure the area around your outside unit is free of debris. Keep grass and branches cut around the unit. This allows the unit to run efficiently. 
  • Keep your thermostat temperature constant. Changing the temperature every time you leave actually causes the unit to work harder, thus causing your bill to be higher. An average temperature of 75 is best.
  • Change your air filter regularly. Read the recommended time on your filter package.
  • Block sunlight from coming in your windows by using blinds and/or curtains. Windows that face west or south will bring in the most heat. Consider heat blocking curtains for these windows. 
  • Turn on fans. They help circulate air in the room. Fans are cheaper to run than the air conditioner, and they help you feel cooler.
  • Hot bulbs can heat up your home. There are options to light your home with bulbs that create less heat. Fluorescent, LED, and lower wattage bulbs will use less power and still give you the light that you need.
  • Use a dehumidifier inside your home to cut down on the amount of moisture. Less humidity means you will feel cooler. 
  • If you have a clean, finished basement, blow the cooler air from downstairs up into the main floor.
  • Don’t use the oven to cook on those extremely hot days. Fire up your grill and cook your meat and veggies outside. 
  • If possible, air dry your dishes instead of running the dishwasher everyday. Your utility bill (and house temperature) will thank you.
  • Do laundry early in the morning or in the evening. You should consider hanging your laundry up to dry during the day. This will keep your energy costs down and keep you from having to use your dryer and filling your house with unnecessary heat. If you must use your dryer, put it on right before bed so that the heat will be gone by morning.
  • While it might be difficult to plant trees, bushes and other plants can help block direct sunlight that heats up your home. These will take a few years to mature, but will be worth it in the end.

Austin Energy also has tips to save money as you utilize more electricity to keep cool:

  • Turn your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher during the warm months. If you are away for more than two hours, set it to 85 degrees.
  • Point fans in your direction. You will feel cooler if the air is blowing your way.
  • Install LED light bulbs. They generate less heat and use less electricity.
  • Avoid turning on the oven during the hottest time of the day.
  • Close shades and curtains on windows that are hit by direct sunlight.
  • Unplug appliances and chargers when you are not using them.
  • Provide shade for your outdoor AC units.