hurricane, flood and fire very dangerous. But data from the National Weather Service shows that heat waves kill more Americans than any other major weather event. The human body simply cannot handle high temperatures. Common sense tips to follow during a heatwave include staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities, and of course, you should also try to keep your home as cool as possible. Here are some practical ways to protect your home and the loved ones in your home when the worst of the heat hits.
1. Use a portable air conditioner and monitor room temperature carefully
Arlo sensors can do almost anything and are easily moved around at any time.
Whole-house air conditioners remain important during heat waves, especially when combined with other cooling methods. But not all homes have whole-home air conditioning, and during a severe heat wave, air conditioning may not be enough. Another option is a smart portable air conditioner that you can plug in and move between rooms, depending on where you spend your time.
Take a look at our list of the top portable air conditioners and you’ll find models with remote controls, voice assistant support, timers, dehumidification capabilities, and more. Expect to spend around $400 on a good model that you can use this coming summer.
important tips: Once temperatures start to rise well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a basic ceiling fan doesn’t really do its job, especially when it comes to addressing health concerns. It is important to pay more attention to home insulation and air conditioning.
In many homes, certain rooms can be much hotter than others, which doesn’t really help the central thermostat do its job. Consider home monitoring devices that can sense temperature, like these all-in-one Arlo security sensors we tested. This way you can constantly monitor the temperature in a specific location (living room, bedroom, baby room, etc.) and take action if the temperature gets too high.
2. Set a strict curtain schedule for your windows
Sunlight filtering through windows can heat objects and the air in your home, making heat waves worse. Close blinds completely for better protection during the hottest temperatures. You can also search Smart blinds and curtains renovation Lets you set automatic schedules to make the process easier.
Once the outside temperature is significantly lower than the indoor temperature, your insulation will start to work against you. So if nights are cooler in your area, wait for the temperature difference to occur and open windows around your home to create cooler air circulation.
3. Replace HVAC filters and schedule inspections
Kangaroo includes a climate sensor (aka a leak detector) in its expanded eight-piece home monitoring kit.
To cope with the heat wave, you need to change your home HVAC The filter, usually located to the right of the fan system that pushes air around the house. It’s a good idea to keep a few appropriately sized filters nearby so you can turn them off a few times a year or when you really need efficient airflow.
If you have the time, you should also schedule a maintenance visit from a professional HVAC contractor. In addition to this, they can also test the refrigerant levels in the air conditioning system. Over time, refrigerant can leak, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. It’s important to make sure you have the proper levels before a hot period.
read more: HVAC Maintenance Guide: What to DIY and When to Call the Professionals
4. Install a leak detector and monitor leaks
Home leaks are often related to freezing temperatures during the harsh winter months when pipes burst. But heat waves can cause the opposite but similar problem: Pipes can expand and damage valves and other components, which can also cause leaks. Additionally, the air conditioning unit may be running into overdrive, and there may be more leaks in the basement or garage than usual.
Most home security systems, such as Abode, offer leak detector add-ons that you can place in susceptible areas to receive an alert or alarm when water is detected on the floor. You can also find Stand-alone unit for Eufy and other brands.
5. Keep outdoor household equipment away from direct sunlight
Reducing airflow helps keep indoor air cooler.
Lens hoods are your friend when placing outdoor electronics like home security cameras or exterior sensors (or even a robotic lawnmower). High temperatures can wreak havoc on batteries, overheat sensitive electronics, and even cause plastic to melt.
So when temperatures start to rise, bring your electronic devices indoors or to a shady location until the hot weather is over. Be careful about where you install your home video camera.
6. Inspect and replace weatherstripping
Weatherstripping refers to the small strips of felt and rubber that line the edges of doors and windows. They play a vital role in home insulation: when they wear or are torn, gaps can lead to drafts. This is unpleasant in the winter, but during a heat wave it can use up all the cool air produced by your air conditioner, preventing your home from fully cooling and increasing the risk of heat-related health problems.
Be prepared for a heat wave by checking weatherstripping and blocking any drafts from worn materials. you can Find your own weatherstripping For DIY projects, however, it is important to find the right type to match your windows and doors.
7. Find cooler cooking alternatives
Keep your kitchen calm and cool during a heat wave.
Cooking and baking generate a lot of heat in the kitchen, so you may want to reduce these activities during a heat wave. So we’ve got a complete guide on how to keep your kitchen cool as the temperatures rise, including prepping meals ahead of time or cooking late at night. Additionally, this might be a good time to check out food delivery services.
read more: Don’t open the oven during a heat wave. do this instead
8. Find electronic products and unplug them and stop using them
Large electronic devices can generate a lot of background heat even when in standby mode. When the heat becomes severe, try completely unplugging larger electronic devices. These may include A/V receivers, game consoles, desktop computers and televisions – depending on what you plan to use that day.
At this point, don’t run heat-generating appliances like dishwashers and dryers, or at least wait until nighttime temperatures drop.
read more: Heatwave: Preventing your phone from overheating in record temperatures
9. Replace your lighting with smart lights
Alexa Emergency Assist replaces Alexa Guard.
There’s also a surprising part of your home that generates a lot of heat – incandescent light bulbs, which are extremely energy inefficient (you can tell by just touching them). The new LEDs (light-emitting diodes) in smart lights generate almost no heat and tend to last longer.
The key is to find high-quality, affordable smart lights, which is why you should check out our list of the best smart lights. Turn off those sweaty lights with LEDs and your house will start feeling cooler.
10. Create convenient emergency medical services
Echo can assist during heat wave emergencies.
If someone appears to be suffering from heat stroke or something similar, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to help them out. Symptoms include profuse sweating along with headache, nausea and disorientation. If someone has this problem, take them to a cool place and contact emergency services. You can also wash their feet with cold water to help relieve stress.
Some home security plans can make this easier. this Alexa Emergency Assistance Program ($6 per month) is a good option because it works with existing Alexa speakers, letting you call for help immediately and notify emergency contacts in your family with a command. This is especially important for older relatives who may live alone and are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
For more temperature management options, visit our guide to the best smart thermostats and check out the top DIY security monitoring systems. It’s also a good idea to brush up on heat stroke safety and how to stay safe when air quality is very poor.
