Summers in Framingham, MA, can get uncomfortably hot, and in recent years, heatwaves have become more common. While the season brings longer days and time outdoors, the rising temperatures can make indoor living difficult. That’s why preparing your home ahead of time is smart; it helps you stay safe and comfortable when the heat rolls in.
Heatwaves aren’t just about a few hot afternoons anymore. They can last for days, and local weather can shift quickly. When temperatures stay high overnight, homes without proper prep tend to get stuffy and hard to cool down. Waiting until the last minute can make things worse, from equipment failures to inflated energy bills.
The good news is, you don’t need major renovations to make your home ready. A few key steps can help keep things cooler indoors. And in a place like Framingham, where both older and newer homes deal with temperature swings, local fixes go a long way.
Start with a Cooling System Check
Before the season hits its peak, check your home’s cooling system. Many people turn on their AC for the first time during a heatwave, only to find that it isn’t working properly. Don’t wait for that surprise. Try turning it on early in the season, listen for strange sounds, and feel for weak airflow. If your system struggles to cool, that’s a sign that something needs attention.
Basic maintenance helps, too. Replace your air filter if it’s dirty. Make sure air vents aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains. Even these simple checks can make a noticeable difference in how your home cools.
If your system feels off or hasn’t been serviced in a while, it might be time to bring in help. Calling an AC contractor in Framingham, MA, is a smart move. A technician can check for deeper issues, like low refrigerant levels or clogged coils. They can also tell you if your system is working efficiently or if it’s driving up your energy bills. Getting it looked at before things get too hot can save you time, money, and stress.
Seal and Insulate Key Areas
Once your AC is ready, focus on keeping cool air inside. Air leaks around windows, doors, and attics let hot air in and cold air out. You can spot these leaks by feeling for drafts or using a handheld thermal leak detector.
Use weatherstripping around door frames and caulk around window edges. These small updates can help your home hold its temperature better. If your attic isn’t well-insulated, consider adding insulation there. It keeps heat from building up and spreading to other rooms.
Window coverings also help. Blackout curtains or reflective blinds can block direct sunlight, which keeps rooms cooler during peak hours. In homes with older windows, even temporary fixes like window film or thermal curtains can reduce heat gain without much cost.
Prep Your Home’s Interior for Hot Days
Once you’ve handled the basics like sealing and cooling checks, turn your attention indoors. Small changes inside your home can help you stay more comfortable during a heatwave.
Start by adjusting your ceiling fans. In the summer, fans should spin counterclockwise. This creates a breeze that makes the room feel cooler. If your fans have a switch on the base or remote, that’s how you can change the direction.
Try to limit indoor heat during the day. Ovens, dryers, and even computers add to the temperature. Cooking in the early morning or evening helps reduce that extra heat. If you need to use appliances, keep them out of living areas when possible. You can also switch to LED lights, which stay cooler than traditional bulbs.
Keep your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. South- and west-facing windows bring in the most heat. Use light-blocking or reflective curtains to block sunlight and reduce warmth. At night, if the temperature drops, open the windows to let cooler air inside.
If your home has one room that stays cooler than the rest, make it your main spot during a heatwave. Close doors to warmer rooms and use a portable fan to help air circulate. You don’t need to cool the whole house all the time, just the space you spend the most time in.
Make Small Outdoor Changes That Help Inside
Your outdoor space can also affect how hot your home feels. A few adjustments around the exterior may improve your indoor comfort.
Adding shade near windows or doors can keep rooms cooler. Awnings, shade sails, or even outdoor curtains can help. If you have outdoor space, planting shrubs or small trees near windows may block some of the sun’s heat. Over time, this can reduce the strain on your AC.
If your outdoor AC unit gets full sun, it might overheat or work harder than necessary. Try placing a vented cover over it or creating some shade nearby. Just be sure nothing blocks the airflow, as it still needs space around it to work well.
Some homeowners also consider lighter-colored roofing materials or reflective coatings. These changes help reflect heat away from the house. While that’s more of a long-term project, it’s worth thinking about for future summers.
Prepare for Power Fluctuations
Hot weather can strain local power systems. During long heatwaves, outages or voltage drops can happen. Preparing for that ahead of time can save you frustration later.
Use surge protectors to protect your electronics. Keep small battery-powered fans, flashlights, and extra batteries in a safe spot. A cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles can help if your fridge stops working for a few hours.
It also helps to charge your devices early in the morning or at night when energy demand is lower. If you rely on medical equipment, talk to your provider about backup power options or community support during outages.
Getting your home ready for a heatwave is about staying ahead of the weather. By making a few smart changes now, you can stay cooler and safer when the temperature climbs. You don’t need major upgrades; you just need a bit of planning and a focus on what matters most inside and outside your home.
