So whether you make the trek to Wrigley or U.S. Cellular fields, it’s a good time for baseball – both teams are hot. Unfortunately, so is the weather.

It’s been a very hot one in Red Oak so far this season; and while the warm weather may be perfect for catching baseball at a ball park or a bar, it can be a real bear at home, with high temperatures and muggy humidity making it uncomfortable to do just about anything.

Like baseball, the summer season is far from over. Ready to make the most of it? Here are a few ideas to help keep cool in the months ahead…

1.) Get Your HVAC Serviced

It’s not too late to have a certified pro come and take a look at your air conditioning unit, especially if you notice any troubling warning signs, like inconsistent temperatures from room to room, excessive dust, loud rattling or banging noises.

In particular, pay attention to any erratic cycling from your AC unit – if it doesn’t seem to be cycling on or off, it’s a sign that there may be a problem with the compressor or your thermostat. If your air conditioner does seem to be running but there is only hot air blowing through your vents, it may be a sign that your unit needs Freon. For your comfort and health, don’t be afraid to reach out to a pro with any questions or concerns!

2.) Avoid Appliances

As plumbers, the areas in the house that we look at the most – kitchens, bathrooms, and basements – are often jam-packed with appliances (particularly if homeowners fill their bathroom with all sorts of wacky or unnecessary accessories).

When the warm weather hits, it’s best to minimize you use of appliances across the board. Not only does this save you money on your electric or gas bills (which can be tough in the summer months), but turning on appliances tends to generate heat. To help keep cool, keep your appliances off as often as possible.

3.) Install an Ice Maker

Sick of struggling with ice cube trays every time you want a refreshing chunk of the frozen stuff? Add an ice maker to your home line!

While most modern homes come with a refrigerator water supply line already installed - so that you can hook up your new refrigerator’s built-in automatic ice maker to your water source right away – some of Red Oak’s older homes and condos may not have a water supply line in place.

Fortunately, adding one for your ice maker is a relatively easy DIY task, thanks to installation kits that you can find at most hardware or plumbing specialty stores. These kits come with the parts needed to hook up your new ice-making unit to the plumbing that’s already under your sink.

And while these are three big, practical changes you can make to your summer routine, there are all sorts of other hacks that people have shown us over the years, from freezing pillows to jerry-rigging air conditioners with fans and ice buckets.

How do you keep cool? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line to let us know your favorite ways to beat the heat – and, enjoy America's Pastime!