Organize For The Dog Days of Summer -- Happy 4th!

Kim Wolinski, MSW
“Dr. DeClutter” www.drdeclutter.com

Organize For The Dog Days of Summer -- Happy 4th!

The tune goes… “Those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer….” It’s all about Dog Days!

We’ve just stepped into summer by the moon’s calendar…but oh, we’ve had some scorchers already! So, as Independence Day is just around the corner… get ready for sun and fun and safe travel and activities, great food and friends and joy all 'round. Take some precautions and save on electric bills too!

A little history: “Dog Days” is the name for the sultriest period of summer, from about July 3rd to August 11th. Named in early times by observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius (the dog start) and the sun.

- Reduce heat gain up to 80% by closing curtains and blinds until the day cools off.

- Turn off lights, TVs and appliances not needed (which give off more heat and use more electricity than you might think) and close any rooms and A/C vents in rooms not being used.

- Do heat-producing chores in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. These include baking, drying clothes, running the dishwasher, etc.

- Exercise in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.

- Rather than turning your A/C on and off, maintain a constant temperature to reduce stress on the unit and conserve energy. The suggested standard temperature for summer is 78 degrees, but each degree above that you can stand may reduce energy costs by as much as five percent.

- In climates where it’s cooler at night, open the windows to let in the beauty of nature and the cool breeze instead of the A/C all night long.

- Use a few fans instead of A/C when you just need to the air to move to cool it off.

Mostly, enjoy these wonderful crazy days of summer!

©2005 Kim Wolinski – Dr. DeClutter

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