HOT in Texas

[ElephantsHear]

Temp in SA is 103°. Last week my AC went out. I bought black poster board ($1.57) & black foam boards ($3.59). I had cheap blackout curtains already. When AC fixed, most of it went down- with depression I need light). (today it’s up/ unused rooms ac vent closed to re-route air). From outside it looks like I have black screens/ inside it’s covered by curtains. I read fans use only 1% energy that central air does. I have a large house and dogs so I thought I’d give you all a tip on how to save a little $

[Agora1]

Thanks for the tip, a few days too late for me as my A/C went out a couple

weeks ago. It was a bear in here with those 90 degree days but getting a

new air conditioner felt so good. I'm motivated once again to do things w/o

breaking a sweat. I like your idea whether the air works or not, it could save

on energy costs for sure. Stay Cool xx

[ElephantsHear in reply to Agora1]

Did you get new central air unit? 2 years ago my ac went out and I was quoted about 13k, but they weren’t producing enough Tranes (COVID), so I opted to repair the blower $2,400 instead (certain things I only buy from U.S. companies- my dad was union/teamster). Now I can’t afford any brand lol.

[downinthecrud]

I’m in SA to. It’s unbearable and only getting worse. 108 on Wednesday. It doesn’t help with my depression, that’s for sure. Don’t see how this summer could be worse than last but it’s not looking good.

[ElephantsHear in reply to downinthecrud]

My heart goes out to you. It’s not just the cost of a unit, but the energy bill. The govt. should think about a law to prevent electric companies from shutting off service for non-payment during the 3 summer months. Public library if you feel up to it and have the time during the day. Good luck.

[Stippler]

Thanks for the tips! I live near SA and, for fitness, I walk indoors in my apartment instead of walking outside. I drink LOTS of cold water and don't have to use the A/C much because the cold water helps cool me off. I also use fans a lot. It is 101 here. Keep cool!

[Boston001]

When I visited Universal Studios I was watching them build movie sets, and they would paint the inside, side of the glass windows with black paint which gave the illusion of an empty dark room. When I got home and tried it, it looked nice but the sun would make the glass hot. Does the black poster board get hot? Up in Alaska with 24-hour daylight during the summer months, they use tinfoil for blackout windows. I'm not sure if it would look aesthetically nice from the outside but I would think it would reflect the sun's heat back outside. But what do I know I'm in Massachusetts Lol, it's been cold and rainy for a week now.

[ElephantsHear in reply to Boston001]

Hi, I looked online prior to doing it and google said black absorbs the heat, so when I put it up I touched the back and it was hot hot. Normally I’d prefer cold weather, but overcast makes me sleepy. But,Oston was great to visit.

[ElephantsHear in reply to ElephantsHear]

Boston

[Boston001 in reply to ElephantsHear]

I live about 30-minute drive south of Boston, but I use it as a landmark. The tourist areas are nice to visit, but I'm happy I don't live there. I like hot weather, it is cold here 8 months a year, but it rarely gets into the 100s, I can only imagine that kind of hot going on and on for months.

[Horsesarebeautiful in reply to Boston001]

Cold and rainy sounds so nice right now. I used to think it would be nice to live in Seattle or some place that get lots of rain.

[ElephantsHear]

You’ve had a lot go on in your life. I’m glad you shared. Methodist has a day program my psychiatrist sent me to a few days ago. My insurance covered it and I took short term disability from work. Keep a journal. Find a counselor. You can’t control how others behave, but how you react to it (depression/ anxiety can cause rumination- replaying bad things in your life so that’s an issue. If your insurance didn’t send you a list, call them back and ask that the list be mailed to you. Write 1 thing you’re grateful for a day and increase the list each day. I’m sorry I don’t have a suggestion. I’m a female veteran and the VA has been very supportive. I try to keep their perspective in mind- they treat thousands in SA, so if I don’t get what I need I try to ask again. To get out of the house you can try meetup app, church, or my favorite is volunteering. Read a book to someone in a nursing home, volunteer at the library, or delivering meals on wheels. Start out slow because if you’ve isolated yourself it will take time to re-adjust to being out in the world. Consider copying and posting on here as a general question- people will have more suggestions. Best of luck!

[ElephantsHear in reply to ElephantsHear]

sorry, I went a few years ago, not days ago. I have insomnia and only slept a few hours.

[Horsesarebeautiful in reply to ElephantsHear]

I used to volunteer with my daughter every year at the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving dinner starting when she was 5. It was a way to keep her safe from family that had abused me and have a holiday dinner. We volunteered all over the place. Not long ago, while working hospice, I volunteered at the SAAF House. I'm thinking about volunteering at a horse ranch where disabled kids and adults ride horses as therapy. I think being around horses would be therapeutic to me, also. Lol. With this heat I just want to hibernate. I've got that darkened film you buy to put on windows on most of my windows. I've got heavy blackout curtains on some, blankets over others, and I just put up a thick tarp along the side of my patio that gets the afternoon sun. It keeps part of the direct sunlight from hitting the sliding glass doors and heating up the kitchen. Lots more to do, though. I hate the weather here starting in late May/early June until we get the 1st cold front after the end of summer. Not looking forward to the next CPS bill. People are already saying their bills are doubling.

[mommieb]

Thanks for the tip. I live in the Houston area. Anything to keep house cooler and costs down!!!!