How to Keep Your Home Cool During Record Heat in Naperville
If you’ve stepped outside recently, you know—this isn’t your typical Naperville summer. With temperatures pushing well into the 90s and heat indexes breaking records, Chicagoland is baking in a way locals haven’t felt in years. For homeowners, that means higher electric bills, overworked air conditioners, and a constant battle to keep things comfortable indoors.
Fortunately, there are smart, practical ways to beat the heat—without maxing
out your energy usage. Whether you’re in the city or the surrounding suburbs, here’s how to keep your home cool during this relentless summer wave.
1. Start With the Windows
In the Midwest, especially around Chicago, most homes weren’t built with desert-style heat in mind. That makes window management essential.
-
Close blinds and curtains during the day, especially on windows facing east and west. Sunlight streaming in can quickly raise indoor temps by 10–15 degrees.
-
Use blackout curtains or thermal shades to reflect sunlight and insulate windows.
-
Open windows at night only when the outdoor temperature dips below your indoor temp—and close them again early in the morning.
2. Prioritize Airflow
If you’re relying on central air, make sure it’s not doing all the work.
-
Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to circulate cool air downward.
-
Use box fans in windows at night to draw in cooler air—just make sure the air outside is actually cooler first.
-
If you have a multi-story home, push hot air out of upper windows while pulling cooler air into lower ones.
3. Don’t Forget Your AC System
Air conditioning is the obvious answer—but many people don’t get the most out of their system.
-
Change filters regularly—once a month during heavy use. A dirty filter can reduce efficiency by 15% or more.
-
Get your system tuned up if it hasn’t been serviced this year. It’s not too late to catch issues before your AC gives out on the hottest day of the year.
-
Raise the thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home, but don’t turn it off entirely. Letting your house heat up fully can overwork your system later.
4. Use Appliances Strategically
Appliances generate heat—and when it’s 95°F outside, every degree matters.
-
Avoid using the oven or stovetop during the day. Try grilling outside, prepping cold meals, or cooking early in the morning.
-
Run dishwashers and laundry machines overnight or early in the morning.
-
Switch to LED bulbs if you haven’t already—they emit far less heat than traditional incandescent lights.
5. Seal the Leaks
Air leaks around doors, windows, and even outlets can let hot air creep in.
-
Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps and cracks.
-
Add door sweeps to keep cool air from escaping under exterior doors.
-
If you feel a draft near a window, it’s costing you—not just in winter, but in summer too.
6. Get Smart with Landscaping
Outdoor fixes can have a real impact.
-
Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your home if possible. It’s a long-term fix, but it pays off over time.
-
Add shrubs or trellises near sun-facing windows to block radiant heat.
-
If you have a dark roof, consider reflective coatings or solar-resistant shingles when it’s time to replace it.
7. Rethink Your Routine
When it’s this hot, even your daily schedule can help you stay cooler:
-
Shower in the morning or evening—steamy afternoon showers can add heat and humidity indoors.
-
Limit movement between indoors and outdoors—every time the door opens, you’re letting in a blast of hot, humid air.
-
Hydrate regularly and wear breathable fabrics, even inside.
Final Thoughts
Chicagoans are no strangers to extreme weather—but this heat is different. With records being broken and more hot days ahead, now’s the time to be proactive. Staying cool doesn’t always mean cranking the AC. Small changes—closing blinds, running fans, sealing leaks—can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable and your energy bill in check.
When the heat index climbs into the triple digits, it’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety. So stay cool, stay smart, and help your neighbors do the same.
Having AC problems? Call us for an AC inspection
continue reading
