How to prepare and protect homes for extreme heat

Welcome to the heat dome, folks.

More than 80 million people in the eastern half of the U.S. were under at least a Level 3 of 4 “major” heat risk on Friday, according to CNN. The East Coast is poised to break records again, in what’s being dubbed the hottest day of the “heat dome”

High temperatures in the middle to upper 90s were expected from Washington, D.C., to Boston, and low 90s as far north as southern Maine, which are temps up to 10 degrees higher than usual for this time of year.

This is after a rare heat wave in June broke records with dangerous temperatures putting millions of people at risk from the Midwest to the Northeast.

Starting on Saturday June 21, nearly 20 extreme-weather records were broken in a single day, including in Mitchell, SD, where temperatures climbed to 104 degrees, smashing the city’s previous record of 101 degrees, according to The Weather Channel.

Over in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in 32 counties across the state due to the extreme heat, with the record highs in Central Park set during heat wave in 1888 poised to be toppled as the city heads into potential triple-digit temp territory. 

While floods, fires, and fierce winds usually dominate discussion on home preparedness, extreme heat can also cause a range of damage to property, too.

But with a bit of planning, you can protect your home from the elements this summer.

The ways extreme heat can damage your home

When it comes to property damage during a heat wave, most homeowners should focus on the outside elements. 

For starters, if your roof hasn’t been replaced in a number of years, you may be at risk of your roofing materials melting or being damaged. 

Additionally, harsh weather conditions will typically lead to dead landscaping, which is not only an eyesore, but creates a higher risk of fire if conditions remain dry for extended periods. 

The biggest concerns, though, should be the foundation of your home as well as your electrical systems and HVAC units. During extreme heat, foundation problems can arise due to soil shrinkage. Shrinking soil can pull away from the foundation, causing uneven settling. It can also lead to warped or cracked wood in floors, framing and ceilings, as well as misaligned doors and windows.

And more than likely, you’ll be running your AC units—either in the wall or windows, or your central unit attached to the HVAC. Strain on the system can lead to problems, including shorting out the unit, leaving you in a very hot situation indeed. 

Cooling your home efficiently during a heat wave

The best way to ensure your HVAC system doesn’t run into a problem is to give it a helping hand. 

For starters, make sure you’re changing the air filters regularly and getting the HVAC routinely maintenance. If finances allow, upgrading to a smart thermostat can also help regulate the temperature in your home and ensure you’re not increasing your electricity bill unnecessarily. 

But there are other, more strategic moves you can make while at home. Sunlight shining through the windows is a major source of heat in the home. Blackout curtains can keep your bedroom cool, if pulled shut throughout the day. Cooking with appliances that generate less heat, like air fryers and microwaves, will keep the temperature from rising in the kitchen. 

Perhaps the best tip is to use a ceiling fan at the same time as your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will help circulate the cool air quicker than the AC alone.

And to ensure you don’t blow a fuse, avoid running major appliances like your washer and dryer during peak heat hours. Stick to the evening. 

What to upgrade before summer to protect your home

The best defense is a good offense, so taking steps to “heatproof” your home before the summer months is a good idea. 

One of the best ways to get the most out of your AC system is to consider treating your roof with heat-protectant, reflective coating. Even switching to light-colored roofing materials will help. 

If your home has an attic, consider installing a continuous ventilation system to keep your house from trapping heat. And while we typically think of insulation as a cold-weather protection, proper insulation can also help keep your house cool in the summer.

The personal and financial benefits of heat-proofing your home

For any homeowner sweltering in the heat right now, hopefully these tips will help. But the icing on the cake is, if you increase your home’s energy efficiency and maintain a cooler temperature in your home, not only will you and your family be comfortable and safe, but you’ll also save money.

These steps can help you lower your utility bills in the summer months and prevent costly repair bills after extreme heat.

There are also some states that reward homeowners with energy tax credits or rebates for making heat mitigation upgrades to their homes.

Staying cool and saving money? Is there anything better?