I could keep cool by turning on the window air conditioner in my home office; but, I pay my own electric bill, so I try to use less-expensive methods to keep cool on beastly hot days.

Dress Cool. Working at home I can dress casually in shorts, a tank top, and flip flops. If the weather changes, I can too—my closet and dresser are upstairs. If it’s cool in the morning, I can start my day in jeans and a t-shirt; then, change as the heat rises.

Drink Cool. I drink plenty of liquid on hot days. I make sun-brewed tea, which I keep in a huge jug in the fridge, next to several bottles of flavored water, juice, and lemonade. My desk always has a glass of iced beverage within reach.

Eat Cool. During the summer, my fridge is stocked with raw veggies and fruit, cut into snack size bites. My appetite dwindles as the heat rises; so, I like to snack instead of eating big meals. Fruits and veggies also help me get extra liquid into my system. For a late-afternoon pick-me-up treat, I keep popsicles or frozen fruit push-ups in my freezer. They’re refreshing, and I need that jolt of sugar to get me through the day.

Keep the Air Moving. Even when my air conditioner is shut off, I keep a fan blowing. It circulates the air and keeps me and my computer equipment from overheating. Today’s computers aren’t as heat-sensitive as older computers; but, they’re still prone to overheating on very hot days.

Midday Splash. I don’t have a fancy pool; I have an inflatable pool that’s just deep enough for a soak. When it’s really hot, a few minutes of soaking really cools me down. I can even read work material while I’m soaking—if I’m careful. A quick 15-20 minute midday pool break cools me off enough to continue working. And if it’s a real scorcher, I might sneak in another break before the day is over. I tried taking a midday shower; but, full submersion in a cool pool works quicker and better. Keep an extra towel folded on your desk chair if you opt to stay in your swimsuit while working.

In the Cool of the Night. When the sun goes down the temperature usually drops too. During heat waves, I reschedule and work mostly at night—sometimes very late into the night.

Thunder storms! Though I have a full battery backup UPS for my computer, I shut my system down during thunder storms. Most severe storms last less than an hour; it could take days to recover if a power surge fried my computer. I’d rather be safe than sorry. Besides, I’ve got four poodles who are scared of thunder and lightning. I won’t get much work done when I’m comforting them.

One of the benefits of telecommuting from a home office is that you can adapt as the weather changes. You’ve got all the comforts of home and can use them to your advantage.