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Home maintenance checklist for extreme heat

Updated July 25, 2025 . AmFam Team

As a homeowner, you're likely aware that you need to prepare your home for winter's elements. However, did you know you must also protect your home from extreme heat damage? Learn how below.

What is considered extreme heat?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), extreme heat is typically defined by “unusually hot” temperatures for a given region (2025). Extreme heat can also be determined by a “certain temperature,” such as “95°F,” over a given period (EPA, 2025).

Extreme heat home maintenance checklist

Prevent structural damage

High temperatures can cause your home’s materials to break down prematurely. The following maintenance tips can help you protect commonly affected parts of your home.

  • Roof: Regularly replace loose, cracked, and missing shingles to avoid premature wear and tear. You may also apply cooling products for improved insulation.
  • Attic: Install an attic fan, add insulation, and seal cracks and gaps to prevent cool air from escaping.
  • Gutters and downspouts: Clean gutters and point downspouts away from your home to prevent premature roof and foundation damage during storms.
  • Paint wood and home siding: Inspect and replace damaged materials with those rated for high temperatures.

Maintain your home’s systems

A broken air conditioner often makes extreme heat unbearable, and repairs can be costly. To stay cool, inspect and optimize the following home systems.

  • HVAC: Check your home’s air conditioning systems before temperatures climb to help you avoid costly repairs in extreme heat.
  • Water heater: Address leaks and corrosion before they become a problem because extreme heat can damage your water heater.
  • Smart thermostat: Consider a smart home thermostat to help you maintain your home’s temperature while away.
  • Ceiling fans: Run your ceiling fans counterclockwise to help you reduce your air conditioner’s workload.

Address gaps and cracks

The following tips may help you maintain comfortable temperatures in your home without using more energy.

  • Seal gaps and cracks: Add caulking, weatherstripping, and sealant around doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping.
  • Cover windows: Make single-pane windows more energy efficient by installing temperature control film and using heavy draping to keep hot air out.
  • Reseal wood: Repaint and reseal wood trim and decks to prevent cracking.

Prepare for emergencies

Power outages and storms are common in extreme heat waves. Here’s how to prepare.

  • Backup power: Store battery backups, portable power, and, if possible, a backup generator.
  • Stock up: Stockpile water, non-perishable snacks, a radio, flashlights, and anything else you may need during a power outage.
  • Have a plan: Set a household emergency plan in case of a power outage or extreme heat advisory.

Let American Family Insurance help protect your home

Contact your American Family Insurance agent for assistance, whether you’re looking for a new home insurance policy or additional protection. They can also conduct a policy review to ensure you’re covered before the next heat wave. Life’s better when you’re under our roof.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article.

Resources:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (March 27, 2025) “Extreme Heat” epa.gov/climatechange-science/extreme-heat
Extreme Heat | US EPA

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