How To Beat The Heat During The Dog Days Of Summer

Everyone is familiar with the dog days of summer. It’s the period of summer from early July to September, when the hot, sultry weather supposedly causes a rush indoors, lethargy and laziness. In the business world July is typically recognized as a quiet time in stock trading.
But why are they called dog days? Hint: it’s not because the heat forces our canine pets to lay around panting. The term originally stems from Greek mythology and the dog referred to is actually the dog star, also known as Sirius. Merriam-Webster.com states, “The star has long been associated with sultry weather in the northern hemisphere because it rises simultaneously with the sun during the hottest days of summer. In the ancient Greek constellation system, this star (called Seirios in Greek) was considered the hound of the hunter Orion and was given the epithet Kyon, meaning “dog.” The Greek writer Plutarch referred to the hot days of summer as hēmerai kynades (literally, “dog days”), and a Latin translation of this expression as dies caniculares is the source of our English phrase.”
When the dog days of summer set in, there are several ways to beat the heat. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and, if possible, work or exercise during the coolest part of the day. Remember to check on the elderly and disabled and those who do not have air conditioning. And don’t forget about our canine friends and other pets, who may also succumb to excessive heat and humidity.
Of course, taking care of your most important appliance during the dog days of summer – your home’s air conditioning system – is of paramount importance. We count on it to keep us cool and comfortable, but it requires our attention to operate efficiently. Air conditioners work their hardest when the heat and humidity is at its highest, so it’s imperative that you take care of your system with regular maintenance. Changing your air filter and making sure your system is fully charged are two ways to keep your A/C on top of its game.
The licensed professionals at Sanborn’s are ready to help you make it through the dog days of summer… Call us today.