Staying Cool: Your Ultimate Guide To Heatwave Home Preparation

Extreme heat can pose significant health risks if you’re unprepared, especially if you live in an area that is not typically prone to high temperatures and lacks air conditioning.

Ensuring your home is adequately prepared for a heatwave is crucial to prevent heat-related illnesses. Here are five steps to take in preparation for a surge of hot air in your region.

Insulate Windows and Doors

Insulation isn’t just for retaining warmth during winter; it’s equally crucial during the hot summer. Mitigate the intake of heat from outside by covering your windows with light-colored drapes, reflective films, insulation, reflective window treatments, or DIY window reflectors.

Creating your reflectors is simple: repurpose the shiny cold bags with food or grocery delivery. Cut them to fit your windows and secure them with painter’s tape. This insulation, particularly on the sunniest windows, can significantly reduce your home’s temperature.

Ensure to check and replace any damaged weatherstripping on windows and doors. If you have older windows, you might consider using a wintertime window insulation kit to seal them temporarily, albeit preventing you from opening them for cooler air.

Maintain Cool Indoor Air

If your home lacks central air conditioning and you wish to avoid a high electricity bill, consider installing a window AC unit in a room you can isolate from the rest of your house. While fans can provide some relief, they don’t significantly lower your body temperature, potentially leaving you vulnerable to heatstroke.

If the temperature outside exceeds 95 degrees, a fan can paradoxically increase your risk of heatstroke by creating a deceptive sense of coolness. A swamp cooler can make a smaller space more comfortable by reducing temperatures.

Insulate Your Attic

An uninsulated attic can let in a lot of heat, so insulating it ahead of a heatwave can help keep your home cool. While this task requires more effort and cost (typically around $1,500), the investment pays off in energy bill savings over time.

Proper attic insulation can reduce your utility bill by about 15% during winter and summer, increasing your home’s comfort level.

Locate Your Local Cooling Station

If you don’t have AC or an alternative cooling plan, familiarize yourself with the nearest cooling station. Being prepared with a plan can expedite your safety during an emergency. Most cities or counties provide emergency plans on their websites, identifying public locations such as libraries, schools, and convention centers as cooling stations during heat emergencies.

Inspect Your Air Conditioner

Inspecting your system before extreme heat events is critical for those with central air conditioning. Examine the AC coils (usually outside your AC unit) to ensure they’re clean and free from weeds and vegetation.

Check your HVAC filters, too, typically found in a basement or utility room. These filters can degrade when the AC unit runs at full capacity for extended periods, so replacing them preemptively is wise. If unsure about the appropriate filter for your system, you can refer to the old one when purchasing a new one in-store or online.

Preparing your home for a heatwave involves several crucial steps that range from simple DIY methods to more significant undertakings. However, these measures’ comfort and health benefits make them worthwhile.

By adequately insulating your windows, doors, and attic, keeping the air cool indoors, identifying local cooling stations, and ensuring your air conditioning system is ready for the challenge, you can significantly reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses.

Remember, staying cool during extreme heat is not just about comfort—it’s a matter of health and safety. So, prepare today and stay cool and safe during the summer’s hot spells.