How to Keep Your Home Cool in a Heat Wave

www.cnet.com
7 min read
fairly easy
Cool down your home, save energy, and stay safe during dangerous temperatures.
Hurricanes, floods and fires are dangerous. But data from the National Weather Service shows that heat waves kill more Americans than any other major weather event. The human body simply can't deal when it comes to staying in high temperatures. Commonsense tips to follow during heat waves include staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activity, and you should also, of course, try to keep your home cool. Here's a look at some practical ways to protect your home — and your loved ones inside it — when the worst heat strikes.

1. Use a portable air conditioner and monitor room temperature carefully

Arlo sensors can do nearly anything and are easy to move whenever you want. Arlo

Whole house air conditioners remain very important in heat waves, especially when combined with other cooling methods. But not all homes have whole house AC, and in severe heat waves they may not be enough. Another option is a smart portable air conditioner that you can plug in and move from room to room, depending on where you're spending time.

Take a look at our list of the top portable air conditioners, and you'll find models with remotes, voice assistant support, timers, dehumidifier functions and much more. Expect to spend around $400 for a good model that you can use for summers to come.

Important note: Once temperatures start rising well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, basic ceiling fans don't really make a difference, especially when addressing health issues. It's important to focus more on home insulation and air conditioning.

In many homes, some rooms can get much hotter than others, which doesn't really help central thermostats do their job. Consider home monitoring devices that can sense temperature, like these all-in-one Arlo security sensors we tested. That way you can constantly monitoring the temperature in a particular spot (sitting room, bedroom, baby's room, etc.) and take action if it gets too high.

2. Set a strict curtain schedule for your windows

Sunlight streaming…
Tyler Lacoma
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