Is Your Home Ready For The Next Heatwave?

Updated: January 15, 2026 by Michael Kahn. Published: January 15, 2026.

It may sound odd to be talking about heatwaves in the middle of winter. Unfortunately, climate scientists are warning that heatwaves are in the process of becoming a regular occurrence. There’s no other way to put it: The world is getting hotter. 

You may be thinking that all you need is a good HVAC system to survive the next heatwave. But here’s the thing: Your HVAC unit is probably contributing to global warming. It is ironic that in some twisted way, the solution that is designed to keep us cool is actually one of the key agents of heatwaves through its massive electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. The more we cool ourselves, the more we heat the planet, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. If anything, households and businesses are expected to rely more and more on cooling systems, which creates a vicious circle we can’t seem to escape. 

The real question is: Is there a way out? It’s hard to tell. But combined efforts can go a long way. Europe has been making conscious decisions to avoid HVAC installations as much as possible for this reason. In the USA, it’s now time to be more intentional about the way we keep our homes cool this summer.

Nothing Like Trees to Stay Cool

Do you have trees in your garden? While this may sound like an odd question, trees can be a fantastic investment, not only in the appearance of your backyard, but also in the quest to cool down your home.  

Indeed, with the proper care, a tree can grow tall and create a shaded area. In summer, the area in the shade can be cooler by a few degrees. This is why you want to plant trees that will protect your south-facing rooms, as these are the most likely to get too hot when the temperatures rise. 

The Perfect Pool Weather

Summer is calling for pool time, more precisely in the morning and in the evening when the weather isn’t too hot. No matter how refreshing the pool may seem, you should be avoiding swimming in a garden pool during the hottest hours of the day. 

More and more homeowners are looking to buy above ground pool online ahead of the summer, and this is a fantastic idea for many reasons: 

• It’s more cost-effective than an inground pool
• The installation is fast and hassle-free
• It is just as refreshing as any other pool system

Swimming in the water will help cool down your body temperature, especially in the evening before heading to bed. So this can help you sleep better at night, too. 

Insulation Is Your Friend

A poorly insulated space doesn’t just let the cold air through in winter. It lets the hot air in during the summer season. So, this is your sign to patch insulation issues in your home, especially under the roof, before the start of the summer. 

You can also make a point to protect rooms with south-facing windows. Adding thermal blocking curtains can be a game-changer, as this is the best and most cost-effective window treatment to help regulate room temperature. Contrary to common belief, this doesn’t work only in winter. It’s perfect to keep the summer heat at bay, too!

These few tips can help keep you cool this summer, so you can gradually reduce your reliance on HVAC. While this may be a little uncomfortable at first, it can truly help keep global warming under control if every household in the USA works together.