How to Keep Cool During Extreme Heat—And Why Home Cooling Matters 

As summer temperatures continue to rise steadily across the country, staying cool isn’t just about comfort. It’s essential for health and safety. We’ve worked with thousands of households that lack a dedicated cooling system. With more heat waves happening every year, access to cooling is becoming more important than ever.

This article shares a variety of easy and effective strategies to help you stay cool and comfortable during the summer months, offering practical tips that anyone can use to beat the heat without relying on complex or expensive solutions.

What Is Extreme Heat?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines extreme heat as “summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.” As temperatures climb, the number of extremely hot days is increasing.

Extreme heat can cause:

• Headaches, dehydration, and fatigue
• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Worsening existing health conditions like heart disease or asthma

Older adults, young children, and those with medical conditions are especially vulnerable. That’s why safe, effective cooling in the home is an essential part of staying healthy during the summer.

Source: National Center for Healthy Housing

Easy Tips to Stay Cool at Home During Extreme Heat

If you don’t have central air, there are still many low-cost ways to stay cool:

• Use Fans Wisely
• Place fans across open windows to create cross-breezes
• Try placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a cooling effect
• Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in the summer
• Block Out the Sun
• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest hours of the day
• Use light-colored window coverings or hang light sheets to reflect heat
• Cool Your Body
• Take cool showers or use cold washcloths on your wrists and neck
• Sleep with lightweight sheets
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Stay Hydrated
• Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content

Why Some Neighborhoods Are Hotter

Urban areas tend to get hotter than surrounding regions because of a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. This happens when surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and buildings absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night.

This leads to:

• Warmer temperatures in cities, even after the sun goes down
• Limited shade or green space in some areas
• Homes that retain heat and become uncomfortable quickly

According to research from NCRC, some neighborhoods in the U.S. are 5–12°F hotter than others during the summer, due to higher amounts of paved surfaces and fewer trees.

How to Help Your Neighborhood Stay Cooler

While upgrading your home is a great step, outdoor improvements can also make a big difference in reducing heat.

Simple ideas that can help:

• Plant more trees for shade and natural cooling
• Add green roofs or reflective materials on rooftops
• Increase grass, plants, and garden space around homes
• Use lighter-colored exterior materials when possible

Programs like Our Roots Chicago show how adding trees to neighborhoods improves both air quality and comfort. Trees also absorb heat, reduce air pollution, and help keep homes cooler.

Resources If You Need Help Staying Cool

If you’re concerned about staying safe during extreme heat:

• Find a local cooling center near you: Cooling Center Directory
• Contact your city’s non-emergency line for heat-related services
• Reach out to Elevate to learn about energy upgrades and cooling programs

Final Thoughts

No one should suffer through the heat without access to safe and reliable cooling. Whether it’s using simple fan tricks, improving insulation, or upgrading to a heat pump system, there are many ways to stay cool and comfortable this summer.

We’re committed to helping families create safer, healthier living environments so they can feel secure, supported, and comfortable in every season.