Weather Life Hacks: Tackling Common Seasonal Challenges

As the seasons change, our lifestyles often require constant adjustments to cope with the changing of temperature, humidity and other aspects of nature.

Whether it’s trying to keep cool during scorching summers or preventing frozen pipes in winter, here are some handy life hacks to help you conquer common seasonal weather obstacles.

Stay Cool in the Summer

Keeping yourself cool in the summer’s hot weather can be tough, but by using some easy methods, you can fight against high temperatures and stay comfortable.

Initially, make an attempt to minimize your direct sun exposure during the most intense hours of day by remaining inside or finding a place under shadow.

A woman sitting in front of a fan and looking at her phone
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To maintain a healthy body temperature, make sure you drink a lot of water. You can also put cold towels on your neck and use a misting fan to experience immediate relief.

Also, make sure that your house doesn’t get too hot by following these easy steps:

  • Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out heat and sunlight.
  • Use fans strategically to create cross-ventilation by placing one fan facing inward near a window and another facing outward in a different room.
  • Focus on lightweight and breathable fabrics for bedding and clothing to stay comfortable during hot nights.

Beat the Winter Cold

Dressing in layers is key to trapping heat close to your body, so wearing thermal underwear, sweaters, and a warm coat can help insulate you against the cold outdoors.

Person sitting on the couch with a blanket wrapped around them while wearing a hat
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But how can you make sure that your home retains heat during the winter? Make sure to seal any drafts around windows and doors with weather stripping or caulking, and consider using draft stoppers at the bottom of doors.

Using a programmable thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home can help save on energy costs while keeping you warm. It is also important to stay active and maintain a healthy diet to keep your body warm from the inside out!

  • Insulate windows with weatherstripping or draft blockers to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
  • Open curtains during the day to let in sunlight and warmth, and close them at night to minimize heat loss.
  • Use door snakes or rolled-up towels to block drafts under doors and prevent chilly air from seeping in.

Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Ice frozen onto pipes
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Preventing pipes from freezing is crucial to avoid costly damage and inconvenience during the colder months. If you will be away from home during the winter, leave the heat on and set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing.

Additionally, disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them to prevent water from freezing and causing damage.

  • Keep cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
  • Let faucets drip during extremely cold temperatures to relieve pressure and prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape to provide an extra layer of protection against freezing.

Defrost Car Windshields Quickly

Defrosting car windshields quickly is a common challenge during frosty winter mornings. Thankfully, there are several effective hacks to help you clear your windshield efficiently.

A hand using a tool to scrape ice off a car's windshield
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  • Mix one part water with two parts rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto frost-covered windshields for quick defrosting.
  • Use a credit card or plastic scraper to remove excess ice, taking care not to scratch the windshield.
  • Cover windshields with a folded bedsheet or tarp overnight to prevent frost accumulation.