Heat-Proofing Your Home with Expert Guidance from a Home Insurance Broker

As climate change continues to bring about more extreme weather patterns, protecting your home from extreme heat has become a pressing concern. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures makes living spaces uncomfortable and can lead to higher energy bills and damage to your property.

To help you safeguard your home during scorching summers, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to protect your home from extreme heat. As home insurance brokers, we’re well-versed in the damage that extreme weather can have on your home. Here are some effective ways to protect your home from extreme heat.

Planning Ahead

Help Vulnerable Neighbors, Family, and Friends

During extreme heat events, it’s crucial to look out for one another. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions, are especially at risk. Here’s how you can help:

• Check on Them – Regularly check on vulnerable neighbours, family members, and friends, especially those living alone. Ensure they have access to a cool environment and are staying hydrated.
• Assist with Preparations – Help them prepare for the heat by setting up fans or portable air conditioning units if available. Make sure they have an adequate supply of water and, if necessary, show them how to use cooling aids like wet towels or cooling vests.
  Create a Communication Plan – Establish a communication plan in case of emergencies. Exchange contact information and agree on a protocol for checking in during extreme heat.

Sign Up for Heat Alerts on Your Phone

Staying informed about heat advisories and warnings is essential for planning and taking precautions. Here’s how you can do it:

• Weather Apps – Download weather apps on your smartphone that provide heat alerts. These apps can send you notifications about impending heatwaves or extreme heat events
• Emergency Alert Systems – Register for emergency alert systems in your area. These systems often send heat advisories, providing crucial information and guidance.
• Community Notifications – Join community forums or subscribe to local news sources that regularly update residents about weather-related issues, including extreme heat.

Optimize Natural Ventilation

Properly using windows and doors to naturally ventilate your home can significantly reduce indoor temperatures, especially during the evening and night. Here’s what you can do:

• Cross-Ventilation – Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create cross-ventilation. This allows hot air to escape and cool, fresh air to enter.
• Use Window Coverings – During the day, keep windows covered with shades or curtains to block out direct sunlight. Open them in the evening to allow cooler air inside.
  Ventilation Fans – If you have attic or exhaust fans, use them to expel hot air from your home. Ceiling fans can also help with air circulation.

Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances

Opting for energy-efficient lighting and appliances not only reduces your energy bills but also minimizes the heat produced by these devices. Consider these actions:

• LED Lights – Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. LED lights produce less heat and use significantly less energy.
• Energy Star Appliances – When shopping for new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. These appliances are designed to be energy-efficient and emit less waste heat.

Temporarily Relocate to Cooler Rooms

When the heat becomes unbearable, it’s wise to temporarily relocate to cooler parts of your home.

• Basements or Lower Floors – If you have a basement or rooms on lower floors, they are often cooler than upper-level rooms. Set up a workspace or sleeping area there during heatwaves.
• Portable Air Conditioners – Invest in portable air conditioning units to cool specific rooms where you spend most of your time during heat events.

Complete Simple Home Upgrades

• Cultivate and Care for Shade Trees – Consider planting and nurturing shade trees, particularly near walls facing south, east, and west, to provide natural cooling.
• Foster Wall-Adorning Greenery – Encourage plants to climb walls, adorn your decks, and thrive on balconies, enhancing both aesthetics and natural cooling.
• Enhance Home Insulation and Air Sealing – Elevate your home’s energy efficiency by improving insulation and sealing air leaks, such as using weatherstrips to prevent drafts.
• Adopt Window Covering Solutions: Consider installing blinds, heat-resistant curtains, or window films to manage sunlight and heat infiltration effectively.
• Utilize Portable or Ceiling Fans: Employ portable or ceiling fans to augment air circulation within your living spaces, promoting a more comfortable environment.

Complete More Complex Home Upgrades

• Transform Paved Surfaces into Green Spaces – Replace paved areas with vegetation, which not only reduces heat absorption but also enhances water retention.
• Opt for Green or Reflective Roofing – Consider installing a green (vegetated) or reflective roof to mitigate heat buildup.
• Enhance Window Shading with Outdoor Shutters and Awnings – Improve window shading by using outdoor shutters and awnings to shield against direct sunlight.
• Select Windows and Doors with Low Solar Heat Gain Coefficients – Choose windows and doors designed to have a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient to minimize heat infiltration.
• Install and Maintain Heat Pump or Air Conditioning Systems – Invest in and regularly service a heat pump or air conditioning unit to ensure a comfortable indoor environment during heatwaves.

Protect Your Home Year-Round

Secure your peace of mind year-round with the perfect home insurance policy from Alpine Insurance. Protect what matters most and contact us to find the coverage that suits your needs and keep your home safe, no matter the season.