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Heating and A/C

Prepare cooling and household safety for extreme heat

Extreme heat can turn a cooling failure or poorly planned outage into a health emergency.

Homeowner guidance with clear stop points

When it usually needs attention

Timing follows the local season

Use a reviewed local heat-season window and equipment service plan.

When this guide applies

Requires confirmed cooling equipment and confirmed extreme-heat exposure.

What to do

Schedule documented cooling-system service, confirm safe filter care, identify a cooler fallback location, and make a household heat plan.

Applies when: Requires confirmed cooling equipment and confirmed extreme-heat exposure.

Who should handle it: Residents plan and monitor; owners or managers arrange system service and building repairs.

Tools

  • Thermometer
  • Cooling-system service records
  • Local heat-alert source

Parts and supplies

  • Drinking water and household emergency supplies appropriate to occupants

Safety gear

  • None for planning and indoor observation

Before you start

  • Household medical/accessibility needs
  • Backup cooling location and contacts

Power, water, or fuel shutoffs

  • Do not open energized HVAC panels

Cleaner or chemical limits

Do not spray cleaner or degreaser into HVAC equipment; coil and refrigerant work belong to service.

Stop and get help when

  • Treat heat-illness symptoms as urgent and follow emergency guidance
  • Do not remain in unsafe indoor heat waiting for a repair

Who to call: Use qualified HVAC service; use emergency or public-health resources for heat illness or unsafe indoor temperature.

Reviewed sources