Preparing for a Heatwave: Your Home’s Cooling Checklist
Heatwaves are becoming more intense and more frequent. For many, summer is no longer just hot—it’s dangerous. Extreme heat sends thousands of people to emergency rooms every year. It also pushes your cooling system to its limit.
If your home isn’t ready, you’ll feel it fast. Temperatures can rise indoors even with the AC running, especially if it hasn’t been serviced in a while. Small problems like clogged filters or drafty doors can make your system work harder and drive up your energy bill. That’s why a solid checklist is key. Getting ahead of the next heatwave means more comfort, fewer surprises, and a much lower risk of your air conditioner breaking down when you need it the most.
This guide breaks down what you need to do—quickly and clearly.
1. Start with the Forecast
The first step is easy but often ignored—check the weather ahead. Look at the seven-day forecast, not just the daily high. Watch for back-to-back days with temperatures above 90°F, high humidity, or poor air quality. These conditions strain cooling systems and can become unsafe, especially for seniors or small children.
Knowing what’s coming gives you time to prepare. If a heatwave is expected mid-week, don’t wait to act. Supplies like filters, fans, or blackout curtains often sell out quickly. HVAC technicians also get booked fast when the heat rolls in. Planning even a few days in advance helps you avoid scrambling when it’s already too hot.
2. Book Professional AC Maintenance
Before the hottest days arrive, call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and tune up your system. A standard AC maintenance visit should include checking refrigerant levels, testing the thermostat, cleaning the coils, and making sure electrical parts are in good shape.
Many breakdowns during a heatwave are caused by things a technician could have caught early. Even something as small as a loose wire or low refrigerant can stop your system from cooling properly. A tune-up once a year, ideally in late spring or early summer, helps your system run longer and reduces the chance of emergency repairs.
3. Swap Out Dirty Filters
One of the fastest ways to help your air conditioner work better is by replacing the air filter. A clogged filter limits airflow, which makes the system less efficient. It also causes parts to overheat and can even freeze up the coils. That means less cool air coming out—and more wear on your unit.
Most filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, especially in summer when systems run more often. If you have allergies, you may need to check them more often. Clean filters help your system cool faster and use less energy, which means more comfort and lower bills.
4. Seal Off the Heat
Hot air finds its way into your home through gaps in doors, windows, and even electrical outlets. This makes your cooling system work harder to keep temperatures down. Start by sealing gaps with weather stripping or caulk. Close unused fireplace dampers and install door sweeps if needed.
Also, block direct sunlight. Cover windows with blinds or curtains by noon. Reflective film or blackout shades can help even more. The less heat that gets inside, the easier it is for your system to keep things cool.
5. Adjust the Thermostat the Right Way
Turning your thermostat as low as possible won’t cool your home faster. In fact, it often wastes energy. Set it to a steady temperature—ideally around 78°F when you’re home and awake. When you’re away, bump it up a few degrees, but don’t turn it off completely.
If your thermostat has a programmable or smart feature, use it. These systems help balance comfort and energy use without you having to think about it. Always set the fan to “auto” instead of “on” so it only runs when cooling is needed. Small changes like these keep your home cooler and your AC from overworking.
6. Clear the Air Vents and Outside Unit
Airflow is everything during a heatwave. If your vents are blocked or your outdoor unit is covered with debris, your AC will struggle. Inside your home, go room by room and make sure nothing is blocking the vents. Move rugs, furniture, or curtains that may be in the way. Even a small object can reduce airflow and make a room harder to cool.
Outside, check your condenser unit. Cut back any plants or bushes within two feet of the unit. Remove leaves, twigs, or grass clippings that may have collected around it. Then, gently rinse the metal fins with a garden hose. This helps the unit release heat more easily, which improves cooling efficiency.
7. Use Fans to Support Your AC System
Fans don’t lower the room temperature, but they help people feel cooler. When used properly, fans can reduce how often your AC runs without sacrificing comfort. Use ceiling fans in the counterclockwise setting during summer. This pushes cool air down and creates a breeze effect.
Portable fans can also help move air around. Place them in rooms where airflow is weak or where the AC struggles to keep up. This helps even out the temperature across your home. Don’t rely on fans alone, though. They work best when used with your air conditioning—not as a replacement.
8. Change How You Cook and Clean
Appliances like ovens, stoves, dryers, and dishwashers produce a lot of heat. Using them during the day makes your cooling system work harder. During a heatwave, try to shift these tasks to the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside.
Use the microwave or a slow cooker instead of the oven. Cook meals that don’t require heat, like salads or sandwiches. If you need to run the dryer or dishwasher, wait until after the sun goes down. These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable.
Preparing for a heatwave doesn’t take long, but the payoff is huge. A few simple steps—like cleaning filters and adjusting your thermostat—can make your home cooler and more efficient. The goal isn’t just to stay comfortable. It’s to keep your cooling system running, avoid last-minute problems, and protect your family during extreme heat.
Start with the checklist now, even if the next heatwave isn’t on the calendar yet. That way, when it does arrive, you’re ready. No stress, no surprises—just a home that stays cool when it matters most.
