When temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity rises, extreme heat can make it difficult to stay comfortable and can put extra stress on your body and your home’s cooling system.
Taking a few simple precautions can help you and your family stay cooler and safer throughout the hottest days of summer.
1. Avoid Strenuous Activities During Peak Heat
Try to schedule strenuous outdoor work, exercise, and other physical activities for the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
If you need to work outside during the hottest part of the day, take regular breaks in a cool or shaded area and drink plenty of fluids.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activity. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
During prolonged periods of sweating, you may also need to replace electrolytes. Limit beverages that can contribute to dehydration, such as those containing excessive caffeine or alcohol.
3. Keep Your Home Cool
Your air conditioner plays an important role in keeping your home comfortable during extreme heat. Keep doors and windows closed while your AC is running and use blinds or curtains to reduce direct sunlight entering your home.
If your home still feels warm even when the AC is running, there may be an issue with your cooling system, insulation, ductwork, or airflow. A professional HVAC inspection can help identify the cause.
4. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature can help your AC maintain consistent indoor conditions without unnecessary strain.
Avoid setting the thermostat dramatically lower than your desired temperature, as this won’t necessarily cool your home faster.
If your air conditioner runs constantly but struggles to keep your home cool, the system may need professional attention. An HVAC technician can determine whether the issue is related to the equipment, airflow, ductwork, or another part of your home’s cooling system.
5. Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow and make it harder for your AC system to cool your home effectively.
Check your filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or sooner if it becomes dirty.
Keeping a clean filter can help maintain proper airflow and support more consistent indoor comfort during periods of extreme heat.
6. Use Fans to Improve Air Movement
Ceiling and portable fans can make a room feel more comfortable by improving air circulation. Fans can help you feel cooler by moving air across your skin, but they don’t actually lower the temperature of the room.
Use fans alongside your air conditioning system to improve comfort, rather than relying on them as a replacement for AC during extreme heat.
7. Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Extreme heat can increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly when people spend extended periods outdoors or don’t stay properly hydrated.
Watch for symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
If you or someone else begins showing signs of a serious heat-related illness, move to a cooler location and seek appropriate medical help.
8. Take Extra Care of Children and Vulnerable Family Members
Young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. Check on family members who may need additional help staying cool and make sure children have access to a comfortable, cool environment.
Never assume that someone is comfortable simply because the indoor temperature seems manageable. Pay attention to signs of overheating and take action when necessary.
9. Never Leave Children or Pets in a Parked Vehicle
Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a short period. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, creating dangerous conditions even when the outdoor temperature doesn’t seem extremely high.
Keep children and pets with you whenever you leave your vehicle, and take extra precautions during periods of extreme heat.
10. Check on Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Extreme heat can be especially challenging for older adults and people who live alone or may not have reliable access to air conditioning. During periods of unusually high temperatures, check in with family members, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance.
A simple phone call or visit can help ensure they have access to a cool environment, drinking water, and any support they may need.
What Should I Do If My AC Stops Working During Extreme Heat?
If your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling your home, start by checking the thermostat settings and making sure the system has power. You can also check whether the air filter is heavily clogged and make sure the outdoor unit is free of obvious debris or obstructions.
Avoid attempting complex electrical or refrigerant repairs yourself. If your AC still isn’t working properly, contact a qualified HVAC professional to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
During an extreme heat event, take steps to stay cool while waiting for service. Spend time in a cooler location if your home becomes uncomfortably hot, especially if you have young children, older adults, or anyone particularly vulnerable to heat.
Why Extreme Heat Can Be Challenging in Metro Atlanta
Hot summer temperatures combined with high humidity can make outdoor conditions uncomfortable and increase the demand placed on your home’s cooling system. During extended periods of extreme heat, your AC may need to run for longer periods to maintain your desired indoor temperature.
Your home’s insulation, ductwork, windows, and air sealing can also affect how well your cooling system performs. If your AC is operating properly but certain rooms remain uncomfortable, the problem may involve more than the equipment itself.
A professional HVAC company can evaluate your cooling system and help determine whether maintenance, repairs, ductwork improvements, or other solutions could improve your home’s comfort.
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What Should I Do If My AC Stops Working During Extreme Heat?
If your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling your home, start by checking the thermostat settings and making sure the system has power. You can also check whether the air filter is heavily clogged and make sure the outdoor unit is free of obvious debris or obstructions.
Avoid attempting complex electrical or refrigerant repairs yourself. If your AC still isn’t working properly, contact a qualified HVAC professional to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
During an extreme heat event, take steps to stay cool while waiting for service. Spend time in a cooler location if your home becomes uncomfortably hot, especially if you have young children, older adults, or anyone particularly vulnerable to heat.
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How to Prepare Your Home for the Next Heat Wave
Preparing before extreme temperatures arrive can make it easier to keep your home comfortable. Schedule routine AC maintenance, replace dirty filters, and make sure your outdoor unit has adequate clearance for proper airflow.
You can also reduce heat entering your home by closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day and addressing drafts or air leaks around windows and doors. If your home consistently struggles to stay cool, consider having your insulation, ductwork, and HVAC system evaluated by a professional.
Taking care of these issues before the next heat wave can help your cooling system perform more effectively when outdoor temperatures rise.
Bonus Tip: Change your filter! It’s the easiest way to get better performance out of your air conditioner, as a clogged filter reduces air flow and makes the system work even harder.
If you find yourself in need of AC repair or a new air conditioner, our fast and friendly team of HVAC experts are ready to help you regain your comfort and beat this atlanta heat! Drop us a line and we’ll be on the way.
Several tips courtesy of https://ready.ga.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to stay cool during extreme heat?
Stay in a cool indoor environment as much as possible, drink fluids regularly, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. If your home becomes too hot, consider spending time in an air-conditioned public place or another safe, cooler location.
What time of day is hottest during a heat wave?
The hottest part of the day is typically in the afternoon, although the exact timing can vary depending on local weather conditions. Planning outdoor activities for the morning or evening can help reduce exposure to the day’s highest temperatures.
Who is most at risk during extreme heat?
Young children, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and individuals with certain health conditions may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. These individuals may need extra precautions and should be monitored for signs of heat-related illness.
How can I protect my home from extreme summer heat?
Close blinds or curtains during periods of strong sunlight, reduce unnecessary indoor heat sources, and keep your home properly sealed. Adequate insulation and efficient windows can also help reduce the amount of outdoor heat entering your home.
Can high humidity make extreme heat feel worse?
Yes, high humidity can make it harder for sweat to evaporate from your skin, reducing your body’s ability to cool itself. This can make hot weather feel more uncomfortable and increase the risk of heat-related illness.
What should I do if someone shows signs of heat exhaustion?
Move the person to a cooler location, help them cool down, and provide appropriate fluids if they are alert and able to drink. If symptoms become severe, worsen, or suggest heat stroke, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
How can I keep my home comfortable if the power goes out during extreme heat?
Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to retain cooler indoor air, close blinds or curtains to block sunlight, and avoid activities that generate additional heat. If conditions become unsafe, relocate to a cooler, air-conditioned location.
How can I prepare for an upcoming heat wave?
Check your local weather forecast, make sure you have plenty of drinking water, plan how you’ll stay cool, and identify a nearby air-conditioned location in case your home becomes too hot. It’s also helpful to check on family members or neighbors who may need additional support.
