If you are used to living in an unpredictable climate where there is more rain than sun, you may be considering a change to somewhere warmer. Weather conditions can affect your mood, and in some cases, wet and cold climates aren’t ideal for many physical ailments. On the other hand, the prospect of endless sunshine and the feel of daily warmth on the skin is appealing, so what should you know about the reality of living in a hot climate?
Preparation
If you’ve never lived in a predominantly hot country, you will need to prepare for the change. It will take your body time to adjust and acclimatize; you’ll find you sweat more often at first. Invest in natural fiber clothing such as cotton, which will be more comfortable and absorbs sweat better. You will need to drink lots of water to counteract what you lose.
Depending on your employment status, you will likely need to change your daily routine. For example, some countries start their business early in the morning when it’s cool to allow some downtime during the hottest hours. Likewise, if you enjoy exercising outside, you should do so when it’s cool to avoid heat-related illness.
You will find that you need to install air conditioning into your new home. Aircon is standard in hot countries, yet some hot climates still need heat in the winter which is why it’s important to learn about different PTAC units, especially the differences between a PTAC heat pump vs electric heat. Consider how cold your climate gets in the winter to make an informed choice on what kind to invest in. Some will be more effective than others, and prices vary, so you must do your research and invest in a unit that will provide ultimate comfort and a respite from the searing heat or bitter cold.
Budget
Moving to a new house is expensive, and it’s useful to spend some time planning costs, so you have a clear financial plan. Warmer areas are popular, so you must consider the increased cost of housing, taxes, and other living costs. As well as investing in an air conditioning unit, you should consider the energy costs involved in running them. Summer electric bills will be higher than you’re used to remembering, so to include it when budgeting.
Insects
Hot weather attracts all sorts of critters and pests. Bugs such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, wasps, ants, and spiders all love heat and humidity, so if you aren’t keen on the little friends, you should put things in place to manage them.
Keeping your home clean and any food spills dealt with quickly will help in managing insects. However, food plus heat is a bad combination and will attract the nastiest of critters.
One of the most common hot weather insects is mosquitoes. As well as being annoying, they also carry disease, so you must protect your home. You can buy mosquito nets and screens for the doorways to prevent them from entering. You can also get sprays and repellents to kill them. You should also ensure that you remove stagnant water and deal with anything that contains moisture, so you reduce the risk of breeding.
Moving to a warmer climate has a host of health benefits such as more vitamin D, increased energy, and good for the heart; however, you must prepare and make some changes. Happy sun days.
