It's a hot summer for most of the country . . . excessively hot in some areas. So some people are desperate for ANYTHING that can help keep them cool.
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There's a collection of "hot weather hacks" making the rounds online. And like most "hacks," some of them are clever . . . some of them are dumb . . . and very few of them are actually useful. Here are a few:
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1. "Buckle your seat belt when you LEAVE your car, so that when you get back in, the metal buckle won't be so hot it'll burn you."
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2. "If your home's HVAC system is struggling to keep your house cool, it's possibly a dirty filter."
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(If you haven't replaced it before, it's fairly easy.)
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3. You've probably heard this one: "Make sure your fan is switched to spin COUNTERCLOCKWISE to create a downdraft and push colder air toward you. There's usually a switch at the base."
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4. "When you start driving, don't roll down all the windows. Only roll down the driver's and passenger's windows, and the cross breeze will be much stronger."
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5. "If you're wearing sandals, and you have to take them off, put them FACE-DOWN. That way, when you put them back on, your feet won't burn."
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6. "Put your suntan lotion in the fridge to enhance its cooling effects."
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7. "Put a few plastic bottles three-fourths full of water in the freezer. When the water is frozen, put the bottle in front of a fan and rotate when thawed."
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8. "Put a large pot of cool water on the burner OVER your oven vent when the oven is on. It will help keep your kitchen cool in the summer."
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9. "It's tempting to keep your windows open when it's hot, but if you have no air conditioning, CLOSE all windows and shades that are sun-facing." One person even suggested putting your car's windshield shade over a window.
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10. "The easiest way to cool down in high heat is to dunk your shirt in water and then wear it." Of course, it depends WHERE YOU ARE . . . the wet t-shirt look is not always appropriate.
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(Buzzfeed.com has a few more "hacks.")