The extreme heat throughout the tri-state area this week reminds us that burnt temperatures are no longer confined to traditionally hot areas. As climate change accelerates, heat waves in the northeast are becoming more frequent, intense, and long-lasting, stressing our homes, infrastructure, and our health.
Not all heat waves cause immediate damage, but the risk is real. It is important to take these events seriously and provide information. This Redfin guide includes practical strategies to keep your home cool with extreme heat, along with three local condition resources that will help you navigate the impact of the 2025 heat wave.
Want to save money on your mortgage?
Refinance now to reduce your monthly payments.
table of contents
How heat waves affect your home in the long term
In New York City and the three-condition area, combined with extreme heat and high humidity, it can damage your home even if you don’t see any immediate damage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heat waves in the United States are becoming more frequent and lasting, with higher daytime and nighttime temperatures exposed to greater tensions in homes and systems.
This shows what to look at in high humidity:
Mold and mold around the attic, basement, or mold in the swelling of windows or swelling of wooden floors, doors, trim walls or condensation of walls or insulation.
In drier parts of the country like Arizona and Nevada, homes tend to face a variety of issues, including cracked roofs and foundation shifts due to arid soil. But here in the northeast, it is the combination of heat and moisture that creates long-term challenges.
Simple tips to keep your home cool in extreme heat
When a heat wave hits, small changes around the house can make a huge difference. Try these tips to help you stay cool indoors without abusing A/C and protect your home from heat-related damage.
1. Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers do not directly lower the temperature, but they remove moisture from the air, creating a cooler, more comfortable space, and help prevent mold, mold, and wood distortion caused by humidity.
2. I’ll replace the bulb
Incandescent bulbs are surprisingly inefficient, from 90-95% to 90-95% of the energy used, they are released as heat rather than light. Replacing a standard incandescent bulb with an energy-efficient CFL or LED bulb not only lowers power bills, but also keeps your home cool. This is because these types of bulbs create the same amount of light while producing much less heat than standard bulbs. A typical 100 watt bulb can increase room temperature by 11 degrees per hour.
3. Remove the appliance
All outlets release a small amount of heat when the appliance is connected. This may seem trivial, but every degree is important when you fight to keep your home cool.
4. Reduce cooking indoors
The heat from cooking is added to the temperature of the house. If you’re struggling to keep your home cool in extreme heat, consider cooking outside or visiting air-conditioned restaurants.
5. Blocks the sun
To cool your home during the hot waves, close blinds and tints from morning to evening. Colored window film or blackout shades can also help keep your home cooler from 10 to 15 degrees.
6. Set the ceiling fan to run counterclockwise
Ceiling fans help keep your home cool during the summer. You want your ceiling fan to blow downwards to cool the room. All fans have directional switches, so make sure yours is set to run counter-clockwise during the summer.
7. Use personal fans
If you are sitting in a warm room, you can use a personal fan to circulate and cool the surrounding air. If the outside temperature is cooler than the inside, open the window and place the fan directly in front of it to draw that cold air from outside.
8. Install the air conditioner with a programmable thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat to install air conditioning in your entire home, windows, or room, helps to cool your hot room faster. Keeping your home a little warm and programming and turning on A/C before you get home from work can save you money when you’re not home. While you are there, it keeps you comfortable and prevents your home from warming too much while you are gone.
9. Keep the grooves and drains clean
Proper water drainage is essential to protecting your home, especially after a heat wave that can cause sudden storms. Efficient drainage keeps rainwater away from the foundation and prevents water buildup, which can lead to cracking, erosion and structural damage.
If you or your home is facing an emergency due to extreme heat, such as power outages, lack of cooling, or unsafe living conditions, there are resources to help. Below are support options for residents in the Tri-State area:
Financial support programs
Cooling Assistance (HEAP/LIHEAP): All three states provide cooling assistance through their Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP in New York and LiHeap in NJ/CT). These programs help households with eligible income pay for air conditioning, fans, or cooling-related energy costs. NY Heap Cooling Assistance Benefits: Eligible New Yorkers can receive up to $800-$1,000 for purchasing and installing an air conditioner or fan. For more information, please click here. NJ/CT Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides funding to help pay for energy costs and emergency cooling assistance. For more information, please click here. Weather Resistance Assistance Programs (WAP): These programs help improve energy efficiency in long-term homes, particularly useful for older or uninsulated homes, with insulation upgrades, leak sealing and cooling system repairs.
Emergency Cooling Center and Shelter Options
NYC Cooling Center Finder: Find air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, senior centers and NYCHA buildings here. New Jersey 211 – Location of the Cooling Center: Call 2-1-1 or visit the site to find a Cooling Center in New Jersey County. Connecticut United Way 211: Find your local cooling centre and thermal safety support using the hotline or website.
Home repair and recovery services
NYC Homeowners Repair Grants and Loans: Low- and middle-income homeowners may be eligible for emergency repairs or grants through city-funded programs. learn more.
Preparation and support for power outages
Con Edison (part of NYC and NY/CT): Check out the outage map, report loss of power, and get tips on staying safe during outages. PSE&G (NJ): Track outages, sign up for alerts and access extreme weather safety information. Eversource (CT and part of NY): Get real-time updates, safety guidance, and power recovery support. Ready.gov – Preparing for Heat and Power Outages: Federal Government Guidance on Preparing for Power Outages in Extreme Heat.
Take care of yourself, your neighbors and local animals
Extreme heat affects your home, body, mind and community. When it comes to keeping your home cool in extreme heat, it’s equally important to protect your happiness, support people at risk, and take care of your pets and animals. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources can help.
Supporting mental health and heat stress
NYC Well: A free, confidential support line that provides 24/7 mental health help via calls, text or chat. Nyc.gov/nycwell | Call or Text 988 NJ Mental Healthcare: Statewide Mental Health Support and Referral Helpline in New Jersey. njmentalhealthcares.org | 866-202-HELP (4357)CT Mental Health Hotline: Access support and resources through the Mental Health Addiction Services Department. ct.gov/dmhas
Support for the elderly and vulnerable populations
NYC Aging Thermal Safety Services: Senior Services and Outreach during Code Red Alert, including wellness checks and access to cooling centers. Please see here. Department of NJ Aging Services: Provides transportation, cooling referrals and emergency assistance to seniors. Please see here. CT Elder Services Hotline: Elders and caregivers can seek guidance to stay safe in extreme heat. Please see here.
Pets and Animal Care
Heat Guide ASPCA Pet Safety: Access tips to keep your dog, cat and other animals safe during extreme temperatures. NYC Animal Care Center (ACC): Provides shelter and support to your pet in emergencies. Check the heat alert. New Jersey Animal Shelter Directory: The NJ Department of Health maintains a list of approved animal shelters hosted by the county. Connecticut Animal Shelter Directory: Find animal shelters and animal care contacts for local governments across Connecticut. Use State Directory to find shelter options in hot emergency.
Stay safe and keep your home cool in extreme heat
Extreme thermal events are becoming more frequent and more serious in areas such as the three-state regions, and providing information and preparation is becoming more and more important. By taking simple steps to keep your home cool in extreme heat, looking at signs of damage to your home and knowing where to find help, you can protect your home, your health and community.
Would you like to renovate your home?
Find the value of your home, edit the facts, and see the impact of your home project.
