It's hot enough to melt a bushman's boots. But cranking up the air-conditioning is not the only way to stay cool. The heat is on, literally. It's sticky, uncomfortable and downright dangerous. Heatwaves are nothing new in Australia, but they're becoming longer, hotter and more common.173 Australians lost their lives during the Black Saturday bushfires, but an estimated 400-plus people were killed by the heatwave that led up to it. Infants, the elderly and people with certain heart conditions can be vulnerable to heat-related illness. If available, such people should certainly use air-conditioning. But not all of us have access to air-con. And when you turn on an air-conditioner, it can be expensive and it releases climate-changing greenhouse gases. Here's out list of 26 ways to beat the heat without an air-conditioner. 1. Prevention is better than cure. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to block the heat and direct sunlight. 2. Close windows once the outside air is warmer than indoors.

3. At night, once the mercury drops, purge the accumulated hot air by opening windows and doors. 4. Halogen lights, dishwashers, cooking appliances and dryers all produce heat. Avoid using them during the hottest part of the day. Halogen lights are worth replacing to save energy, anyway. 5. Improvise an evaporative cooler by drying a load of washing in front of a fan. Sun exposure, especially when it's intense, gradually fades coloured fabric, so this is a great way to dry coloured loads.If you have a two-storey house, stay downstairs. 7. Keep the family cool and hydrated. Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge. 8. Stay cool from the inside out. For cooling snacks, make yoghurt, juice or pureed fruit icy-poles. Or put an icy pole stick into a fresh, ripe banana and freeze it. 9. Sitting for a while? Soak your feet in cold water. Add some grated ginger and bicarb soda just for fun. 10. Cool your caffeine. Try iced tea or an affogato, instead of hot tea or coffee.

11. Electric fans create cooling air movement using minimal electricity. For extra cooling, keep a spray bottle handy and regularly mist yourself with water. 12. But remember that a fan only works when it is blowing on you. If you're not in the room, switch it off. 13. Barley, rice or wheat-filled bags (used in winter as 'heat packs') can be put in the freezer and used as personal ice packs. 14. It's the best excuse you'll get to skip your lunchtime jog. Avoid excessive activity or switch to exercising very early in the day or very late in the evening, when it is cooler.air conditioner cleaning okinawa 15. If you've got children, submerge some plastic toys in an ice-cream container filled with water. honeywell air purifier geniusThen tell the kids they're on an ice fortress rescue mission!holmes air purifier hepa review

16. Make sure pets have adequate shade, ventilation and water. You might have to bring them indoors for the day. 17. Find a shady spot in the garden and use a kids' clamshell as a paddling pool for your dog. Keep it topped up with clean water. 18. Leave out bowls of water in shady areas for wildlife. Also see Wildlife Victoria's factsheet for advice regarding heat stressed wildlife. 19. If you have to venture outdoors, protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays by covering up with light, loose clothing, a hat and sunscreen, à la the original Slip Slop Slap SunSmart campaign. 20. Use reflective sunshades in the car. Open windows to purge the hot air when you first get in, before turning on cooling. 21. Escape the heat at air-conditioned cinemas, art galleries, libraries and other public buildings. 22. As we mentioned earlier, some members of society are more vulnerable to heat stress. Follow these tips for keeping babies and children safe in hot weather.

See the Heart Foundation's information on heatwaves. Also keep tabs on elderly family members and neighbours during heatwaves. 23. Don't leave anything that has a heartbeat (animals, children) in a locked car, even with the windows down. Temperatures inside cars can be as much as 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. 24. Put up exterior shade sails or grow deciduous vines over a pergola, particularly on the western side of your house. 26. The most energy efficient way to stay cool is to live in a well-designed home. If you're building or renovating, aim for a house that keeps cool without air-conditioning. Remember that there are often power outages on days of extreme heat, when the electricity grid struggles to cope. Efficient eco houses, like Josh's house in Perth, are the ones sitting cool and pretty when the power is out.Image Slider - Air Conditioning Services Mareeba Professional Air Conditioning Services Reliable & honest service All Air Conditioning services throughout North Queensland

Intro - Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration Andrew collins airconditioning and refrigeration Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration provides a professional and high quality service to the residents of Cairns and the surrounding areas. We deliver a reliable and honest service, ensuring that you and your family can live in air conditioned comfort all year round. Call today to find out more on 0428 038 055. About Us - Air Conditioning Services North Queensland Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration offers the following services: Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration holds a Certificate III in Air Conditioning. We are Arctick Approved, and hold a restricted electrical licence. We are fully insured and very experienced, offering flexible appointment times from sunrise to sundown. Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration also offer free quotes to all of our customers with pensioner discounts available.

2b Air Conditioning Installations & Maintenance Smithfield Services - Split System Installation Atherton Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration is the number one choice for all your air conditioning and refrigeration services. Based in Mareeba, we take on work in Atherton, Mossman, Smithfield, and throughout Cairns & Tablelands. We have extensive experience with all brands, and can offer you a premium service on any machine. Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration takes customer care very seriously. We will always check to see if your machine needs replacing, or just a service. A simple service will save you lots of money and ensure that your machine lasts longer. With Andrew Collins Airconditioning and Refrigeration, you can rest assured that we have our customer’s best interests at heart. We take an honest approach to business and put the time and effort into building a great relationship with all of our customers.