The heat is on!

Here ares some ways to chill out in the heat wave

By Elizabeth Gabriel

(Updated: Friday, May 16, 2008, 3:21 PM)

As of the Star's Wednesday deadline, the National Weather service was predicting 98 degrees for today and 99 for Saturday and Sunday. Isn't it too early for this?

Regardless, you need to get ready now for the heat ahead. Here are some tips gathered from a variety of sources: the United States Department of Energy, www.doityourself.com, www.care2.com (a site about healthy and green living) and Burbank Water and Power.

With the price of energy what it is, and the un-greenness of cranking up the A/C to the point you need a sweater, there are many things you can do to play it cool.

Quick hits

Prevent air leaks and keep cool air inside.

Weather-strip doors and windows.

Caulk cracks in outside walls and foundation.

Close the fireplace damper when not in use.

On hot days, close doors and windows during sunlight hours and cover the windows.

Do heat-producing activities such as laundry, dishwashing and ironing in the early morning or late evening.

Close off hot spots. When kitchen, laundry and water heater areas are behind closed doors, other rooms stay cooler.

Use exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry area and bathrooms to push heat and humidity outside.

Ventilate.

Not-so-quick hits

Shade makers: Block the sun's heat before it reaches your home. Exterior shading is seven times more effective than interior cooling.

Exterior shading methods include trees, trellises, awnings, shade screens, window films and window shades.

Focus your shading efforts on west and south exposures.

Heat blockers: Use reflective roofing materials, ventilate your attic, and install ceiling insulation.

Air movers: Moving air can keep your home and your body cool. Use window fans, whole-house fans, room and ceiling fans.

Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioning thermostat.

The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

Well-maintained freezers and refrigerators will run less and pump less hot air into the room.

Change the gaskets if they are loose or worn.

Open these appliances as little as possible.

Keep the condensing units and cooling coils dust-free.

On hot days, attic temperatures can soar -- install an attic fan to draw heat out of your home.

Use the attic fan during the day, even when the air conditioning is on. You can also use the fan at night to draw in cool air when the air conditioning is off. But if you do run it and you have a lot of bare dirt in your yard, you're also going to suck in a lot of dust.

Install an automatic thermostat on your attic fan to allow it to operate even when you are away. Cool nighttime temperatures provide natural air conditioning, so open windows and turn off the air conditioner.

Keep cool air in with insulation.

Insulation pays for itself in just a few years because it reduces energy costs for both cooling and heating.

Insulate above top floor ceilings with at least six inches of insulation.

Older homes can be insulated using techniques such as blown-in insulation.

Central air-conditioning ducts should be surrounded by 1-1/2 inch of fibrous insulation.

Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.

Everything that runs pumps out some heat. Big offenders are incandescent lights, water heater, clothes dryer, dishwasher, shower and the stove and oven.

Minimize by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, turn the water heater down, use a clothesline or dry on low, eat more cold meals, wash dishes by hand or at least turn off the dryer option, take cooler showers and open the windows so steam can escape.

For minor heat sources such as the computer, TV, etc., replace them with the most energy-efficient models available or unplug them.

About that air conditioning

Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home.

Typically, 45 percent of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. Heating and cooling systems in the United States together emit 150 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, adding to global climate change.

They also generate about 12 percent of the nation's sulfur dioxide and 4 percent of the nitrogen oxides, the chief ingredients in acid rain.

Don't overcool. Temperature differences between indoors and out should be 15 percent or less.

Inspect air filters often. Check every month during the cooling season. Wash or replace as needed.

Keep the condenser clean of leaves and debris. Be sure air flow is not obstructed.

Follow a service schedule on your air conditioning unit.

To choose the most effective and economical air conditioning for your home:

Do a survey of your home. Take accurate measurements. Note exposure to the sun, number and location of windows, room use, and insulation levels.

Check your electric power.

A window unit rated more than 7.5 amps should be on a separate electric circuit. If in doubt, get an electrician's advice.

Get expert advice on how to fit equipment to your cooling needs.

Consult two or three reputable dealers or contractors.

Consider Energy Star® products and ask your power provider about rebate programs.

A word from Sheriff Anderson

In light of rising temperatures, Madera County Sheriff John Anderson has announced the county's cooling centers and released some personal cooling tips.

Cooling centers

Mountain Area:

Coarsegold Community Center, 35540 Highway 41; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oakhurst Sierra Senior Center, 49111 Cinder Lane; (559) 683-3811; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

North Fork, 56442 Road 200; (559) 877-2812; Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Valley:

Chowchilla Senior Center, 820 W. Robertson Blvd.; (559) 665-4781; Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Frank Bergon Senior Center, 238 S. D St., Madera; (559)-673-4293; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Madera Rescue Mission, 33 Elm Ave. Madera; (559) 675-8321; as-needed basis

Pan Am Community Center, 703 E. Sherwood Way, Madera; (559) 675-2095; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ranchos/Hills Senior Center, 37339 Berkshire Drive, Madera; (559) 645-4864; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Personal tips

Children up to age 4, people taking certain medications, persons with disabilities, and seniors age 65 and older should be monitored throughout the day as they are susceptible to heat stress.

Regardless of your level of activity, drink plenty of fluids -- especially water. Dehydration can lead to serious health effects.

Make sure clothing is lightweight and comfortable. If possible avoid strenuous activity outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Try to schedule activities in the morning and evening. Be sure to wear a hat and use sunscreen.

Do not rely only on electric fans during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the 90s or above, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness.

A cool shower or bath is a better way to beat the heat and keep body temperatures at safer levels.

Use common sense.

Avoid hot meals and heavy, spicy foods when the weather gets hot. Eat smaller meals more often.

Never leave infants, children, or pets unattended in your vehicle, not even for a moment.

* For information on protecting your pets from the heat, visit www.aspca.org.

For more information, www.dhs.ca.gov or www.redcross.org