How to Keep Your Home Cool During a Heatwave

Hurricanes, floods AND fires are dangerous. Yet data from the National Weather Service shows that heat waves kill more Americans than any other major weather event. The human body simply can’t handle the high temperatures. Common-sense tips to follow during a heat wave include staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities, and, of course, trying to keep your home cool. Here are some practical ways to protect your home — and the loved ones inside — when the worst of the heat hits.

1. Use portable air conditioning and carefully monitor the room temperature

Whole-house air conditioners remain very important during heat waves, especially when combined with other cooling methods. However, not all homes have whole-house air conditioning, and in severe heat waves, they may not be enough. Another option is a smart portable air conditioner that can be plugged in and moved from room to room, depending on where you spend your time.

Take a look at our list of the best portable air conditioners and you’ll find models with remotes, voice assistant support, timers, dehumidifier functions, and more. Expect to spend around $400 for a good model that you can use for years to come.

Important note: When temperatures start to rise well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, basic ceiling fans don’t make a difference, especially when it comes to health concerns. It’s important to focus more on home insulation and air conditioning.

In many homes, some rooms can be much warmer than others, which doesn’t help central thermostats do their job. Consider home monitoring devices that can detect temperature, like these all-in-one Arlo security sensors we tested. That way, you can constantly monitor the temperature in a specific area (living room, bedroom, kids’ room, etc.) and take action if it gets too high.

2. Set a strict schedule for window coverings

Sunlight shining through windows can heat objects and the air in your home, worsening a heatwave. Close your blinds completely during the hottest times to provide more protection. You can also search smart blinds and curtain upgrades to allow you to set automatic schedules to make this process easier.

When the outside temperature drops significantly below the indoor temperature, insulation starts to work against you. So, if your region has cooler nights, wait for the temperature difference and open windows around the house to allow for a flow of cool air.

3. Replace your HVAC filter and schedule an inspection

To prepare for the heatwave, you should replace your home Heating, ventilation and air conditioning filter, which is usually located right next to the fan system that moves air around the house. It’s a good idea to keep a few appropriately sized filters nearby so you can change them a few times a year or when you really need efficient airflow.

If you have the time, you should also schedule a maintenance visit with a professional HVAC installer. Among other things, they can check the refrigerant levels in your air conditioning system. Refrigerant can leak over time and make your air conditioning less efficient. Making sure you have the right levels is important before the hottest season.

Read more: HVAC Maintenance Guide: What to Do Yourself and When to Call a Pro

4. Install leak detectors and monitor for leaks

Leaks in the home are often associated with freezing temperatures, when pipes burst in the dead of winter. However, heat waves can cause the opposite but similar problem: pipes can expand and damage valves and other components, which also leads to leaks. In addition, air conditioning units can overheat and leak more than usual in the basement or garage.

Most home security systems, such as Abode, offer leak detector add-ons that can be placed in susceptible areas to receive alerts or alarms when water is detected on the floor. You can also find independent units from Eufy and other brands.

5. Keep home appliances outdoors out of direct sunlight

Shade is your friend when you’re placing outdoor electrical devices like home security cameras or outdoor sensors—even robotic lawnmowers. High temperatures can wreak havoc on batteries, cause sensitive electronics to overheat, and even melt plastic.

So when the temperature starts to rise, move your electronics inside or into the shade until the heat is over. And please be careful where you install your home cameras.

6. Check and replace seals

Seals are the small strips of felt and rubber around the edges of your windows and doors. They play a key role in insulating your home: when they wear out or get torn, the gaps are notorious for draughts. That’s unpleasant in winter, but during a heatwave, it can suck out all the cool air your air conditioning has been pumping out, preventing your home from cooling completely and increasing the risk of heat-related health problems.

Prepare for heatwaves by checking seals and blocking drafts from worn materials. You can find weather seals yourself for a DIY project, but it is important to choose the right type that will fit your doors and windows.

7. Find cooler cooking alternatives

Cooking and baking create a lot of heat in the kitchen, so you may want to limit these activities during a heatwave. That’s why we’ve got a whole guide on how to keep your kitchen cool when the temperature rises, including prepping meals ahead of time or cooking late at night. This might also be a good time to check out meal delivery services.

read more: Don’t turn on the oven during a heatwave. Instead, do this

8. Look for electronic devices you can unplug and stop using

Large electronic devices can generate a lot of background heat, even when they’re on standby. When the heat gets really bad, try unplugging larger electronics completely. This could include A/V receivers, gaming consoles, desktop computers, and TVs—depending on what you plan to use that day.

Therefore, refrain from using heat-generating appliances such as dishwashers or dryers, or at least wait until the evening when temperatures drop.

read more: Heatwave: Protect your phone from overheating in record-breaking temperatures

9. Replace your lighting with smart ones

There’s another surprising part of your home that produces a lot of heat—light bulbs, which are horribly inefficient at using energy (tap one to find out). The newer LEDs (light-emitting diodes) used in smart lights produce almost no heat and tend to last much longer.

The key is finding high-quality, affordable smart lights, which is why you should head over to our list of the best smart lights available. Swap out those sweaty lights for LEDs and your home will start to feel cooler.

10. Provide easy access to emergency medical services

If someone appears to be suffering from heatstroke or a similar condition, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to help them. Symptoms include profuse sweating, along with headache, nausea, and confusion. If someone is having these problems, place them in a cool place and contact emergency services. You can also bathe their feet in cool water to help them get relief.

Some home security plans can make this easier. Alexa Emergency Assistance Plan ($6/month) is a good option because it works with existing Alexa speakers and lets you instantly summon help and notify family emergency contacts with a command. This can be especially important for older relatives who may live alone and be more susceptible to heat-related conditions.

For more temperature management options, visit our guide to the best smart thermostats and check out our best DIY safety monitoring systems . It’s also a good idea to brush up on heatstroke safety and how to stay safe when the air quality gets really bad.