Even if you’re lucky enough to have central AC, prolonged summer heat waves have a hot-box effect on homes. As the heat builds, it never seems to get cool enough, even with the system on full blast. That’s why when temperatures push above 90 ° F, with humidity creating real-feel temps in the triple digits, I do everything possible to keep as much heat as possible out of my home.
There are three rules in particular that my family follows to get us through the sweltering heat at home.
Keep the curtains closed — all day, every day.
About three quarters of the sunlight that falls onto windows enters the home as heat, according to the U.S. Energy Department. Keeping blinds and curtains closed from sun up to sun down will reduce that heat gain, meaning your AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you’re in renovation mode, think about installing new windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings that reflect heat while still letting through light. Exterior awnings are another smart investment, since they can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 77%.
Break out the fans.
The breeze creates a wind chill effect that will let you turn the AC up by 5 to 10 degrees without compromising on comfort. Ceiling fans are the best option, since they circulate air throughout the room. Remember to set the fan so that the blades are spinning counterclockwise to create maximum breeze. Floor and pedestal fans also do a fine job circulating air throughout the room. In our latest roundup of best fans, those that feature multiple speeds and oscillation were especially effective.
Editor’s note: It’s important to remember that in extreme heat, using a fan isn’t enough to protect you from heat-related illnesses. If you don’t have an A.C., make sure you’re seeking out air conditioning whenever possible at public spaces, such as libraries or cooling centers, and increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
If possible, fire up the grill.
A heat wave is no time for indoor cooking appliances, namely the oven and cooktop, both of which will heat up your kitchen and surrounding parts of the home. I love grilling with the family once the sun goes down and the worst of the heat is behind us. No grill? Turn to air fryers, toaster ovens and other countertop appliance that won’t radiate nearly as much heat throughout your home as large cooking appliances.
More ways to stay safe
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, here are some other recommended tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
- Stay in an air-conditioned location as much as possible
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoid outdoor activities if possible
- Wear lightweight clothing and sunscreen
- Take cool showers or baths.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
