How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer That Will Break Heat Records

The higher temperatures expected during summer 2026 will add strain to your home’s cooling systems. The added pressure can lead to unexpected HVAC failures, and dealing with a broken air conditioning unit in the middle of a heatwave can be incredibly stressful.

Taking proactive steps now can reduce the risk of air conditioning failures and keep your home comfortable. Continue reading to learn about how a heatwave can affect your AC, and what you can do to keep your system running efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• The highest temperatures will be in July and August, when unusually warm conditions affect much of the country.
• Proactive HVAC maintenance prevents system failures during peak temperatures.
• Upgrading to a smart thermostat, improving insulation, and fixing air leaks can lower your energy costs and help your AC unit’s efficiency.

What Temperatures Can We Expect for This Summer?

Meteorologists predict that this upcoming summer will bring above-average temperatures for much of the country. In most regions, you can expect prolonged heat waves, higher daily temperatures, and warmer nights that provide little relief.

In some areas, the rising temperatures will coincide with higher moisture levels, driving up humidity. The combination of heat and moisture will make temperatures feel even warmer.

Why Are Heat Waves Hard on My Home’s HVAC System?

Extreme weather, including heat waves, place a heavy burden on your HVAC systems. The higher temperatures and humidity affect your AC in the following ways:

• Your HVAC works harder: During a severe heat wave, HVAC systems run constantly to maintain your desired temperature inside. The continuous operation increases wear and tear on the system, increasing the risk of a malfunction.
• Indoor humidity levels rise: When high temperatures and humidity combine, your AC has to work even harder to extract moisture from the air. If it doesn’t work effectively, you run the risk of uncomfortable indoor conditions and mold and mildew.
• Energy bills spike: If your HVAC system is working continuously to keep your home cool, you’ll likely see steep increases in your energy bills. If your home is poorly insulated or has leaks, you could be losing cool air, leading to higher bills.

What to Do to Keep Your Home Comfortable

Before the summer arrives (along with triple-digit temperatures), take the following steps to prepare and keep your home comfortable:

1. Schedule Maintenance

Have a licensed HVAC professional inspect your air conditioning system. During their visit, they will clean the coils, check your refrigerant levels, and ensure the system is working properly. Catching small issues now prevents them from becoming costly problems later.

2. Replace Air Filers

Dirty air filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder. Check your filters every 30 days to keep your system working efficiently.

3. Seal Leaks

If you feel warm gusts of air around the home, try to identify where the air leaks are coming from, such as gaps under doors or older windows. Adding weatherstripping or caulking can keep the hot air outside.

4. Use a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat raises the temperature slightly when you’re away from home, and keeps you cool when you’re in the house. This approach reduces your HVAC’s strain and cuts down on energy bills.

“Air conditioning is dehumidification with a byproduct of cooling,” said Gregory Milich, HVAC master with Blue Dot. “So air conditioning is basically dehumidifying the air. The byproduct is cool. So you must explain to people: Do not just turn your system off when you’re not home. It doesn’t just have to do with cooling. It’s the humidity that will hurt — not hurt you, but can hurt your belongings in your house. Humidity soaks into everything.”

A smart thermostat balances managing humidity and heat with energy efficiency.

5. Invest in Blinds and Curtains

Direct sunlight pouring in through the windows can cause your rooms to heat up quickly. Thermal curtains, blackout blinds, and shutters reduce the sun’s heat inside, helping to keep your home comfortable.

6. Consider an Upgrade

If you have an older HVAC system, such as one that is between 10 and 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Older systems may be unable to keep up with record-breaking temperatures, and they’ll be less energy-efficient than modern versions.

FAQs

Should I close my air vents in certain rooms?

While it may seem like a good idea to close the vents in rooms you rarely use, think twice before using that strategy. Closing vents disrupts your HVAC system, and can lead to higher humidity rates.

How hot is too hot for my air conditioner to work?

Modern air conditioning systems work best when temperatures are under 95 degrees. Once temperatures reach into the triple digits, the system may have to work much harder, and struggle to maintain a cool indoor environment. During extreme heatwaves, it’s common for your home to feel warmer than your thermostat setting.

How often should I have HVAC maintenance done?

At a minimum, you should schedule a professional HVAC maintenance appointment at least once a year. For areas where your AC may have to work harder, such as in the southern states, you may need more frequent service appointments. A best practice is to have the AC serviced in the spring, before the summer months, and your heating system serviced in the fall.

Can a smart thermostat lower my cooling bill?

Yes, a smart thermostat can help lower your cooling bill. On average, an Energy Star smart thermostat reduces heating and cooling bills by 9%.