Keeping Cool During a Heatwave: Top 5 Tips for Your Home
When temperatures spike into the 90s or beyond, staying cool becomes more than just a matter of comfort—it’s about keeping your home safe and livable. Many of the same strategies that help reduce energy costs in summer also happen to be your best defense during a heatwave. Why? Because efficient cooling isn't just about saving money; it’s about making the most of the cool air you have.
From zoned cooling and fan placement to simple fixes like sealing doors or drawing the curtains, these tips are designed to help you keep your cool (literally) when the heat is at its worst.
1. Cool the Room You're In
When temperatures soar, even a well-maintained central AC system can struggle to keep up, especially in upstairs bedrooms, sunrooms, or spaces that get full afternoon sun. Instead of overworking your entire system, focus on cooling the room you're actually in.
A window air conditioner is a great way to take the pressure off your central AC and stay comfortable in your most-used spaces. They're easy to install, cost-effective, and let you dial in the temperature exactly where you need it. For rental situations that prohibit window units, portable ACs are an easy-to-install option that won’t get your landlord in a tizzy.
For even more control, a DIY mini-split system offers high-efficiency zoned cooling without the need for ductwork. Whether you're cooling a converted attic, a garage, or a home office, mini-splits deliver powerful comfort room by room—without wasting energy on the rest of the house.
Pro tip: Zoned cooling helps reduce energy waste, manage hot spots, and keep everyone in the house more comfortable during extreme heat.
2. Boost Your AC with a Fan
When it’s sweltering outside, your AC needs all the help it can get. Pairing your air conditioner with a fan is one of the easiest ways to stretch your cooling power and stay comfortable without lowering the thermostat.
Fans help circulate cool air more evenly throughout the room, especially in larger or oddly shaped spaces. Position a pedestal or tower fan across from your window or portable AC unit to help push cold air deeper into the room. Ceiling fan? Set it to spin counterclockwise to create a wind-chill effect that makes it feel several degrees cooler.
Even better? Fans use just a fraction of the energy your AC does. That means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees and still feel comfortable—saving money in the process.
Pro tip: Try running your fan in the early morning or evening with the windows open to draw in cooler outdoor air.
3. Block Out the Sun
It’s not just the temperature outside that heats up your home—it’s the sun pouring in through your windows. During a heatwave, sunlight streaming through glass can raise indoor temps by several degrees, forcing your AC to work harder just to keep up.
The fix? Close the blinds. Better yet, install blackout curtains or thermal shades in rooms that get direct sunlight. These simple window treatments act like insulation, keeping out solar heat and helping your cooling system run more efficiently.
Don’t forget east- and west-facing windows—those get the strongest sun in the morning and late afternoon. Keeping them covered during peak hours can make a big difference in your overall comfort.
Pro tip: Light-colored curtains with a thermal backing are ideal—they reflect sunlight while still blocking heat.
4. Seal Your Windows and Doors
During a heatwave, every bit of cool air counts. If hot air is sneaking in—or your AC’s hard-earned cold air is leaking out—your system has to work double time just to keep up.
Start by checking around your window and portable AC units. If there are gaps between the unit and the frame, use foam insulation strips, weatherproofing tape, or a window sealing kit to close them up. For added support and a better seal, use a window AC bracket. It helps stabilize your unit and minimize air leaks.
Doors can be a trouble spot too, especially in older homes. If you feel warm air leaking in from the bottom or sides, try adding a draft stopper or door snake—yes, the same kind you might use in the winter. You can also install adhesive weather stripping around the doorframe for a tighter seal.
These small fixes may seem minor, but they can have a big impact on how well your home holds in the cool air during extreme heat.
Pro tip: Can you feel a breeze or see light around a closed door or window? That’s your cue—it’s time to seal it up.
5. Cool Yourself, Not Just the Room
When it’s dangerously hot outside, sometimes it’s not just about cooling your home—it’s about cooling you. Even with the AC running, adding a few personal cooling habits can help you stay safer and more comfortable during extreme heat.
Start with the basics: stay hydrated, wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and use cold compresses or a damp washcloth on your neck and wrists to help regulate body temperature. If your home tends to heat up during the day, plan chores or workouts for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
Pairing these habits with smart cooling tools like a portable fan aimed in your direction, or a mini-split system for precise room control, can make the difference between tolerable and miserable during a heatwave.
Pro tip: Fans don’t actually lower the room temperature, but they make you feel cooler by speeding up the evaporation of sweat. Instant relief, no thermostat required.
Bonus Tip: Use Spot Coolers for Outdoor Relief
Working in a garage, warehouse, tented area, or job site during a heatwave? You’re not alone; and you're not powerless against the heat, either. While traditional AC units aren't designed for open or semi-open spaces, spot coolers offer targeted relief when and where you need it most.
Unlike portable ACs, spot coolers are built to perform in demanding environments. They deliver a concentrated stream of cold air directly where it’s needed—whether that’s on a workstation, under a canopy, or beside equipment that tends to overheat. For outdoor projects or commercial settings where safety and productivity are on the line, a spot cooler can help you beat the heat and stay focused.
Pro tip: Position the spot cooler’s exhaust to vent away from your work area so the cold air stays effective and uninterrupted.
Stay Cool, Stay Smart
Heatwaves are tough—but with the right mix of smart habits and reliable cooling tools, your home doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re sealing up leaks, adding a fan, or using a window unit to take the pressure off your central AC, even small changes can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.
Looking for cooling solutions that work when the heat is relentless? Explore fans, ACs, and DIY mini-split systems at perfectaire.us
And if you’re looking to stretch your energy dollars this summer, don’t miss our related blog: 5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Cooling Costs This Summer