Dealing With The Dog Days Of Summer

We are all familiar with the dog days of summer, generally known as the period between early July and September, when the hot, sultry weather of summer is most brutal. The oppressive heat is associated with lethargy and stagnation of activity, and in the business world July is typically one of the quietest months of the year for stock trading.

But where does the term dogs come from? It’s not because the heat forces our canine friends to lay around panting. The term actually stems from Greek mythology and the dog in question is actually the dog star, also known as Sirius. Merriam-Webster.com states, “The star has long been associated with sultry weather in the northern hemisphere because it rises simultaneously with the sun during the hottest days of summer. In the ancient Greek constellation system, this star (called Seirios in Greek) was considered the hound of the hunter Orion and was given the epithet Kyon, meaning “dog.” The Greek writer Plutarch referred to the hot days of summer as hēmerai kynades (literally, “dog days”), and a Latin translation of this expression as dies caniculares is the source of our English phrase.”

At any rate, when the dog days of summer set in, we all want to take refuge from the heat however we can. Always remember to stay hydrated and, if possible, work or exercise during the coolest part of the day. Keeping your blinds or curtains closed and minimizing the use of the oven, dryer and other appliances will reduce heat buildup in your home. Remember to check on the elderly and disabled and those who do not have air conditioning. And don’t forget about the dogs and other pets, who are also affected by excessive heat and humidity.

Perhaps the most important thing to take care of during the dog days of summer is your air conditioner. We count on it to keep us cool and comfortable, but unfortunately, air conditioning systems work their hardest during the dog days. The more heat and humidity, the more stress on your A/C. So, it’s imperative that you take care of your system with regular maintenance. Changing your air filter and making sure your system is fully charged are two places to start.

The licensed professionals at Masters are ready to help you beat the dog days of summer… Call us today.