08.15.08
No AC & Hot Weather? Got a Freezer?
Here in Portland, Oregon, they’re predicting 104 degree temperatures tomorrow. This is not good. You see, buying an air conditioner in Portland is a terrible waste of money, 360 days out of the year. The weather is tolerable and tends towards the cold more often then the hot.
However, for those five days out of the year that the temperature tops 100, having a solution is critical. Probably the reason there are heaps of public fountains in the Portland Metro area, besides the pretty looks.
Swamp coolers are generally a good idea, except the weather is far too humid to support evaporative cooling.
My solution? Get a hand towel wet, wring it out and stick it in the freezer. Be sure to fold it several times, and place it flat side down, so it’s easy to remove once it freezes.
After an hour, you have a damp (not wet), very cold cloth. For maximum cooling, place over the top of your head, then drape around shoulders & neck when the center begins to thaw.
I figure that since most of your body heat escapes from your head, cooling off the area is a wise idea. I believe the greatest volume of blood flows through your neck, so cooling down your blood should cool down the rest of you.
The frozen hand towel stays icy cool without dripping for 30+ minutes. Works for me! Although it could be too cold for some.
Another argument for always having your towel handy.
