Keep a comfortable home during summer heatwaves by blocking unwanted heat, maintaining your air conditioner, improving insulation, and managing indoor humidity.
Why does your house still feel unbearably hot when the air conditioner has been running all afternoon?
A system that works well on ordinary summer days can break a sweat when high temperatures last for several days. The sun keeps heating the building, and warm nights leave it little chance to cool down.
Sometimes the problem is poor insulation or too much sunlight coming through the windows. In other homes, the air conditioner needs servicing or no longer suits the space.
Why Do Heatwaves Make Homes So Difficult to Cool?
A heatwave brings more than a hot afternoon. Sunlight warms the roof and exterior walls for hours, and these surfaces continue releasing heat after sunset. Windows exposed to direct sun add to the buildup.
Normally, cooler evenings give a house time to lose some of the heat it collected during the day. When nights stay warm, the building carries much of that heat into the next morning. By afternoon, the air conditioner is working against both the new heat coming in and the warmth already stored in the house.
Is 75°F Too Hot for a House in the Summer?
For many people, 75°F (24°C) is a comfortable indoor temperature. However, the thermostat reading doesn't always match how the room feels. High humidity slows sweat evaporation, making the same temperature feel warmer.
Keeping indoor relative humidity around 30% to 50% suits many households. Personal health needs can affect which temperature is appropriate. If indoor humidity remains high, humidity control systems such as dehumidifiers can help keep moisture levels within a comfortable range.
Should I Open or Close My Windows During a Heatwave?
Keep windows closed when it's hotter outside than indoors, especially if you're using air conditioning. Otherwise, warm air enters and undoes some of the cooling.
Open them early in the morning or later in the evening if the outdoor air is cooler. Windows on opposite sides of the house can create a cross-breeze that moves trapped heat outside.
Leave them shut when outdoor air quality is poor, including during wildfire smoke. High outdoor humidity is another reason to rely on indoor cooling instead.
Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is Working Properly
An air conditioner that's overdue for maintenance can lose efficiency just when you need it most. A clogged filter limits airflow, and debris around the outdoor unit interferes with its ability to release heat.
Before hot weather arrives, check the basics:
- Air filters: Clean or replace them as recommended by the manufacturer
- Outdoor unit: Clear away leaves and trim plants that crowd the equipment
- Air vents: Move furniture and curtains that block airflow
- Thermostat: Make sure the system responds when you change the setting
If the house isn't cooling properly after these checks, arrange an inspection. A technician can check for refrigerant leaks, faulty parts, or capacity issues.
When Should You Consider Upgrading Your Cooling System?
Frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs are reasons to consider replacement. Older central cooling units can also use more electricity than newer models, though age alone doesn't mean a system needs replacing.
Have a qualified contractor assess your home's cooling needs before buying equipment. A unit that's too small won't keep temperatures down, while an oversized one may shut off before removing enough moisture.
Professional air conditioning installation involves choosing suitable equipment and installing it with the right airflow for your home.
Improve Insulation to Keep Indoor Temperatures Stable
Poor home insulation lets heat pass through ceilings and walls. Leaky ducts running through a hot attic can waste cooled air before it reaches your rooms.
Consider these energy-saving upgrades:
- Attic insulation: Check for gaps, compressed material, or thin coverage
- Windows and doors: Replace worn weatherstripping and seal gaps around frames
- Ductwork: Have leaks in unconditioned spaces sealed
- Attic access: Insulate and weatherstrip the hatch
Repair roof leaks or moisture damage before adding insulation. Covering a damp area won't solve the problem.
Prepare for Extreme Heat and Power Outages
Without air conditioning, indoor temperatures can reach unsafe levels during extreme heat. Know where you could go if the power fails, such as a public cooling center, library, or another air-conditioned building.
Keep water available and charge your phone before severe weather. Check on older relatives and neighbors who live alone, particularly if they don't have reliable cooling.
Headache, dizziness, or nausea can signal heat-related illness. Confusion, fainting, or other severe symptoms need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Harder to Tolerate Heat as You Get Older?
Yes. Older adults may have more difficulty regulating body temperature, and some medications affect sweating or hydration. Check indoor temperatures regularly and take heat warnings seriously, especially if someone has a medical condition.
Why Is My Upstairs Hotter Than Downstairs?
The upper floor gains heat through the roof and often has less even airflow. Warm air can also rise through the house. Insulation and air distribution both affect how much hotter these rooms become.
Does Setting the Thermostat Lower Cool Your House Faster?
No. With a conventional air conditioner, setting the thermostat to 65°F instead of 75°F won't speed up cooling. It tells the system to keep running until it reaches the lower setting.
Do Ceiling Fans Actually Cool a Room?
Fans move air across your skin, helping you feel cooler, but they don't lower the room's temperature. Switch them off when nobody is there, and don't rely on fans alone when indoor temperatures become dangerously high.
Can Blackout Curtains Help Keep Your House Cooler?
Yes. Blackout curtains can reduce solar heat entering through windows, particularly those exposed to direct afternoon sunlight. For better results, choose curtains with a light-colored or reflective backing and keep them closed during the hottest hours.
Don't Let Summer Heatwaves Keep You from a Comfortable Home
You don't want to discover your air conditioner needs repairs on the hottest day of the year. Good preparation now can spare you the discomfort later, whether that means fixing insulation problems or servicing your cooling system.
After all, a comfortable home shouldn't feel like a luxury during summer.
Watch our local forecasts and heat alerts so your household has time to prepare for the next hot spell.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.