How to Stay Cool (and Safe) in the Final Stretch of Summer
August has a way of tricking us into thinking summer is almost over—but in much of the country, we still have a good two months of heat before fall truly settles in. And those final weeks? They can be some of the hottest and most uncomfortable of the year.
That’s why now is the time to double down on your cooling strategy. With the right tools and a few smart habits, you can keep your home comfortable, your energy bills in check, and even start preparing for the season ahead.
1. Keep Your Cool with the Right AC
When the heat is relentless, your air conditioner is your best ally. But not all ACs are created equal—choosing one that’s properly sized for your space makes all the difference in both comfort and efficiency.
Window air conditioners are a tried-and-true option for single rooms, while portable ACs give you the flexibility to move cooling power wherever it’s needed most. Use features like Energy Saver mode and built-in timers to avoid overcooling when you’re not in the room. And don’t forget to clean or replace filters regularly—a clogged filter can make your AC work harder, driving up both wear and energy costs.
Pro tip: AC units don’t just lower the temperature—they also remove excess humidity from the air. On muggy late-summer days, that drop in moisture can make your space feel cooler, fresher, and far more comfortable.
2. Boost Cooling Power with Fans
When your AC is already running full tilt, fans can give it the backup it needs—without adding much to your energy bill. In late summer, the trick isn’t just using a fan, it’s using it strategically.
Place a pedestal or tower fan so it pushes cool air from your AC deeper into the room, breaking up hot spots that tend to linger in corners or near sunny windows. In the evenings, aim a fan toward an open window to flush out warm indoor air and replace it with cooler outdoor air before bedtime.
Ceiling fans? Switch them to spin counterclockwise to create a gentle breeze that makes you feel cooler, even if the temperature hasn’t changed. That extra airflow can be the difference between needing the AC on high and being comfortable at a lower setting.
Pro tip: For multi-level homes, use fans to move cooler air from lower floors upward—heat rises, so your upstairs will thank you.
3. Spot Cool Outdoor and Work Spaces
Some jobs and activities can’t wait for cooler weather—whether it’s working in a garage, setting up for an outdoor event, or working on a construction site. In the final stretch of summer, these spaces can turn sweltering fast.
That’s where spot coolers come in. Unlike portable ACs, which are designed to cool an enclosed room, spot coolers send a powerful stream of cold air right where you need it—perfect for open or semi-open areas. Aim the output toward your workspace, seating area, or equipment, and you’ll feel immediate relief without trying to cool down the entire environment.
Just remember: spot coolers also produce hot exhaust air, so position the exhaust hose so it vents away from your cooled space for best results.
Pro tip: For long workdays in the heat, combine a spot cooler with regular hydration breaks to keep both your space and your body safe from overheating.
4. Breathe Easier with an Air Purifier
Late summer heat doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it can also make the air you breathe less healthy. In cities, heat domes trap smog close to the ground, leading to hazy skies and poor air quality. And across much of North America, wildfire season peaks in late summer, sending smoke particles hundreds of miles from the source.
On days when the air outside is unhealthy, keeping windows closed is important—but it also means you need to keep your indoor air fresh and clean. That’s where an air purifier with HEPA filtration comes in. It works quietly in the background, capturing airborne particles like dust, pollen, smoke, and smog so you can breathe easier.
Pairing an air purifier with your cooling system not only helps you stay comfortable, but also turns your home into a safe haven when stepping outside isn’t an option.
Pro tip: For the best results, choose an air purifier sized for your room and run it continuously on poor air quality days—it will filter the air multiple times each hour. Check the CADR rating on the packaging: the higher the number, the larger the space.
5. Plan Ahead with a Flexible Cooling & Heating Solution
While your focus right now might be on beating the summer heat, cooler nights are just around the corner. Investing in a ductless mini-split heat pump means you can enjoy efficient air conditioning now—and switch seamlessly to heating when fall temperatures start to dip.
Mini-splits are perfect for rooms with uneven temperatures, additions without ductwork, or spaces you want to heat or cool independently from the rest of the house. By using zoned control, you avoid wasting energy on empty areas and keep the spaces you use most at the perfect temperature.
That flexibility makes mini-splits a year-round comfort solution and a smart upgrade to tackle before the next season arrives.
Pro tip: Installing a mini-split before fall rushes in means you’ll be ready for both the lingering heat and the first chilly mornings—no scrambling to switch systems.
Beat the Heat, Wherever You Are
The final stretch of summer can be the toughest—but with the right mix of cooling power, smart air circulation, and clean indoor air, you can make every hot day more bearable. From ACs and fans to spot coolers and air purifiers, there’s a Perfect Aire solution to keep you comfortable, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
And when the nights finally start to cool off? Flexible systems like ductless mini-splits will be ready to keep you cozy without missing a beat.
Explore our full lineup of cooling solutions at perfectaire.us and stay comfortable right through summer’s last gasp.