6 Home Tasks You Should Do Before a Heatwave Hits, According to Experts Prep now, sweat less later. Close Credit: Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the frequency of heatwaves has increased over the last 60 years: You can expect about six per year, compared to an average of two in the 1960s. This isn’t said to scare you, but rather to help you be aware of the severity and frequency with which heatwaves can occur. It's important to be properly prepared so you’re not left in the dark—or in the sun, in this case—when one’s arrival is imminent. To help you prep, we consulted with HVAC specialists for the essential tasks you need to do before a heatwave arrives. We also asked a registered nurse and health expert how to stay safe and recognize the signs of heatstroke. Preparation is key, right? Sun Jones, DNP, RN, from the College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix Mark Woodruff, senior product manager at Trane Technologies Steve Robbins, owner of Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning 8 Tasks You Should Never Forget Before a Vacation, According to a Home Security Pro Caution: Take Heatwaves Seriously Sun Jones, DNP, RN, takes heatwaves seriously and thinks others should, too. And part of taking it seriously is learning the signs of someone who needs medical attention because of the temperature, particularly when the symptoms appear to be heat stroke. “Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin, and seizures,” says Jones. “This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.” To avoid heatstroke or heat exhaustion, it's important to stay indoors when possible, keep your home cool, and stay hydrated. “During a heatwave, our bodies can struggle to cool down, leading to heat-related illnesses,” Jones explains. “Normally, we cool ourselves by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn't enough. If the body cannot cool itself, the internal temperature can rise rapidly, potentially damaging the brain and vital organs like the heart and kidneys.” 01 of 06 Schedule HVAC Seasonal Maintenance Credit: South_agency / Getty Images HVAC pros Mark Woodruff and Steve Robbins agree that seasonal maintenance on your AC system is key–especially before you think you need it. And as Robbins puts it, “a quick maintenance check can catch little issues before they turn into big, sweaty problems.” Before heatwaves hit, have a technician inspect and clean key components like the condenser coils, fan, capacitor, blower, and refrigerant lines. “In addition to professional service, you can help your system by trimming vegetation and removing debris around the outdoor unit,” Woodruff says. “This can help ensure proper airflow to boost system efficiency.” 02 of 06 Seal Up Drafts Credit: Grumpy Cow Studios / Getty Images If you notice that your AC is running but your house’s interior temperature doesn’t seem to be stable, that’s a sign of one or more drafts. Robbins and Woodruff recommend examining all windows and doors in your home and sealing any gaps or cracks. (This is especially important if you have old windows or worn-out door seals, Robbins explains). Once you have these areas sealed up, your house should stay significantly cooler. This is not only important for your comfort, but for your wallet as well. Your AC unit won’t have to work as hard, effectively lowering your energy bill. 03 of 06 Create a Heatwave Emergency Kit Similarly to how you need an emergency kit for a tornado or a natural disaster, it’s advisable to create one for heatwaves, too. Rest assured, gathering supplies doesn’t have to be expensive or time-intensive. Robbins recommends including plenty of bottled water and electrolyte drinks for hydration, as well as battery-operated fans for staying cool. He also suggests having a regular first-aid kit on hand, a flashlight, and spare batteries for the fans. “It’s also a good idea to have a list of emergency numbers written down in case your phone dies or the internet goes out,” Robbins adds. 16 Things to Always Have in Your Home Emergency Kit, According to Experts 04 of 06 Close All Blinds and Curtains Credit: Astibuk / Getty Images If a heatwave is coming, it’s best to close all your blinds and curtains during the day, especially the ones on the western side of your house where the sun can be particularly bright (and hot) during the afternoon and early evening. “Shielding your home from the sun's intense rays can play a pivotal role in preventing overheating,” Woodruff says. “Keep blinds closed during peak sunlight hours to reduce the greenhouse effect caused by the sun's rays penetrating and getting trapped within your living space.” 05 of 06 Check Your Air Filters Credit: kevinjeon00 / Getty Images When’s the last time you changed your air filters? If you don’t know the answer to that question, it’s time to get on it before a heatwave strikes. "Clean air filters are critical for efficient cooling," Woodruff says. "Dirty filters force your system to work harder, increasing the risk of breakdowns during extreme heat." According to Woodruff, how frequently you should be changing your filters depends on the ones you purchase and the frequency of use. Higher quality filters can be replaced every 90 days, while the standard one-inch filters should be switched out every month. 06 of 06 Use a Smart Thermostat For those with the means to do so, replacing your traditional thermostat with a smart one can help reduce the workload on your HVAC system. “Because AC systems work much harder in the summer to maintain cooler indoor temperatures, the closer your indoor setting is to the outdoor temperature, the more efficiently your system runs,” Woodruff explains. Since a smart thermostat allows you to control it remotely and raise the temperature when you're out, you’ll be able to reduce your energy costs and preserve the longevity of your system. Explore more: Home