Nobody likes getting caught off guard when the weather changes. Heatwaves can show up fast, and if your home isn’t ready, things can get uncomfortable pretty quickly. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. You don’t need major upgrades or expensive changes. Small, smart steps can make your home cooler, safer, and a lot more comfortable when the temperatures soar.
Let’s go over the must-do tasks that will help you stay ahead of the heat.
1. Adjust Your Daily Habits
What you do during the day can have a big impact on how hot your home gets. Many appliances create heat when they run, adding to the problem. Small changes to your routine can keep your home cooler without much effort.
Try not to use the oven, stove, dishwasher, or dryer during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, cook outside on a grill, use a microwave, or prepare meals that don’t need cooking. Wash clothes and dishes early in the morning or late at night. Turn off lights and electronics when you’re not using them, as they also generate heat. Using ceiling fans to circulate air can also help rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat
2. Check and Service Your Cooling System
Your air conditioning system will be doing most of the heavy lifting during a heatwave. If it’s not working properly, you’ll feel it fast. The last thing you want is your AC breaking down when you need it the most. That’s why it’s important to check your system early.
Scheduling regular AC maintenance can help make sure your system is ready to handle the extra workload. A professional can spot small problems before they cause serious damage. They’ll clean the filters, check for leaks, and tune everything up for top performance. Regular maintenance also helps your system run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. If you haven’t had your AC serviced recently, now is the perfect time to schedule a check-up.
3. Seal Up Drafts and Gaps
Keeping cool air inside your home is just as important as creating it. If your house has lots of leaks, all that nice cool air will slip right out. You’ll end up using more energy and still feel too warm.
Walk through your home and check for drafts around windows, doors, and vents. If you find gaps, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. You don’t need to be an expert to handle basic sealing jobs. You can find affordable supplies at any hardware store. Taking a little time to close up leaks now will make a noticeable difference when the heat is at its worst.
4. Prepare Your Windows
Windows are one of the biggest reasons homes heat up so quickly during a heatwave. Sunlight streaming through the glass can raise indoor temperatures by several degrees. Without proper window treatments, your AC will have to work overtime.
Install blackout curtains, thermal shades, or reflective blinds to help block out the heat. You can also add window film to reflect sunlight away. During the hottest parts of the day, keep your curtains or blinds closed, especially on windows that face the sun. If you don’t have the budget for new window treatments, even hanging a blanket or sheet temporarily can help cut down on heat gain.
5. Plan for Power Outages
Heatwaves can put a huge strain on the electrical grid. With everyone cranking up their air conditioning at the same time, outages are more likely to happen. It’s smart to plan for the possibility of losing power during extreme heat.
Stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, and portable fans that run on batteries. Keep a cooler and ice packs ready in case your fridge stops working. Charge all your devices and backup chargers before the heatwave arrives. If you have a generator, make sure it’s working properly and that you have enough fuel on hand. Planning ahead can make an unexpected power outage a lot less stressful.
6. Take Care of Outdoor Spaces
It’s easy to forget about your yard when you’re focused on staying cool inside. But your outdoor spaces can make a difference, too. Shading the outside of your home helps reduce the amount of heat that reaches your walls and windows.
Set up shade sails, patio umbrellas, or even temporary tarps over sunny areas. If you have time, consider planting fast-growing shrubs or using potted plants to block direct sunlight from hitting your home. Another good idea is to water your plants and lawn early in the morning. This keeps your landscaping healthy without wasting water during the hottest part of the day.
7. Set Up a Safe Room
Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on keeping one room cool instead of the entire house. Setting up a designated safe room can give you a reliable place to escape the worst of the heat.
Choose a room that’s naturally cooler, like one on the shady side of the house. Close the doors to other rooms to keep the cool air in. Equip the safe room with fans, cool drinks, and emergency supplies like a flashlight and extra batteries. If the power goes out or if your AC struggles to keep up, you’ll have a comfortable place to retreat to without having to cool the whole house.
Getting your home ready for a heatwave doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, you can keep your home cooler and protect your family from the dangers of extreme heat. Start by making sure your cooling system is ready, seal up any drafts, and block the heat from coming through your windows. Plan for possible power outages and make smart choices about how you use appliances and lighting. Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces, and consider setting up a safe room if needed. Acting early means you won’t be scrambling when the heatwave hits.
A little effort now will go a long way toward making your summer a lot more comfortable.