Preparing Your Home or Office for a Heatwave: HVAC Tips That Make a Difference

When the forecast says “record-breaking temperatures ahead,” the last thing you want is to realize your air conditioner is blowing hot air—or worse, not blowing at all. Whether you’re managing a home, a busy office, or a commercial facility, heatwaves test the limits of your HVAC system and your patience.

Fortunately, a bit of smart prep can go a long way. From fine-tuning your cooling setup to knowing when to call for help, here’s how to keep your space safe, cool, and efficient—even when Mother Nature turns up the heat.

And if your system’s been acting up already, this might be the moment to finally schedule that HVAC repair service you’ve been putting off.

Don’t Wait for the Heat: Test Your System Early

One of the simplest but most overlooked HVAC tips? Run your system before you actually need it.

Turn your AC on when temperatures are still mild and check:

Does it cool quickly?
Is airflow strong from all vents?
Are there any weird noises or smells?

If you notice anything odd—clicking sounds, strange odors, uneven cooling—it’s not just “quirky behavior.” It’s a sign that a component might be failing. Getting ahead of these issues avoids mid-July breakdowns and crowded emergency service schedules.

Sometimes the fix is small, like a dirty filter. Other times, you’ll need professional AC unit repair. Either way, earlier is cheaper (and far less sweaty).

Seal Up Your Cool Air Like It’s Cash (Because It Kind of Is)

Cooling an entire space costs money—more so when cool air is escaping through leaks. Before the heatwave hits:

Seal around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
Check for insulation gaps, especially in attics and crawlspaces.
Use thermal curtains or reflective blinds during peak sunlight hours.

In office buildings or commercial facilities, also inspect ceiling tiles and duct connections for gaps that could be bleeding conditioned air into empty walls or attics.

If your building feels like it “never quite stays cool,” a professional HVAC technician can assess airflow balance and ductwork, helping your system work smarter, not harder.

Set Smart Thermostat Strategies

When used wisely, your thermostat is your best defense against energy waste and discomfort.

Tips for homes:

Set your thermostat to 78°F (25.5°C) when home, and higher when away.
Use “auto” instead of “on” to avoid running the fan constantly.
Consider a programmable or smart thermostat if you don’t already have one.

Tips for offices:

Use zoning if possible to reduce cooling in unoccupied areas.
Limit thermostat access to facility managers to avoid the dreaded “temperature wars.”

Still running a basic dial thermostat? Upgrading during the offseason—especially paired with a new system—can seriously improve comfort and efficiency. (Here’s where it pays to consider HVAC installation in Los Angeles, especially if your unit is aging out.)

Keep Outdoor Units Clear and Breathing

Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit (the condenser) needs good airflow to do its job. But summer has a habit of piling leaves, pollen, and dust around it—sometimes even rogue weeds.

Here’s what to do:

Clear at least 2 feet of space around the unit.
Gently rinse off dirt or pollen buildup with a hose (not a pressure washer!).
Check that nothing is blocking airflow above the unit either (e.g., hanging branches or awnings).

If you’re managing a larger commercial building, rooftop units especially need seasonal maintenance. Dust, smog, and even seagull “gifts” can build up and affect cooling efficiency.

Don’t forget: clean systems not only cool better—they last longer.

Know When to Call in the Pros

Some things are DIY-friendly (filters, thermostat settings). Others? Not so much.

Call for professional help if:

You notice low airflow, strange noises, or inconsistent temperatures.
There’s moisture or leaking near the indoor unit.
Your energy bills suddenly spike for no clear reason.
Your system is 10–15 years old and struggling to keep up.

Routine maintenance visits from HVAC technicians often uncover small issues before they turn into massive outages. Bonus: many providers offer seasonal tune-ups at discounted rates when booked in advance of peak season.

And if your system is older, undersized, or just can’t keep up anymore? A fresh HVAC installation in Los Angeles might pay for itself through lower energy bills and fewer emergency repairs.

Conclusion: Beat the Heat Before It Beats You

No one wants to spend the hottest week of the year trying to get on an HVAC repair company’s schedule. By prepping early, upgrading strategically, and paying attention to small warning signs, you can keep your space cool and your stress level low—even in the middle of a scorcher.

So whether you’re a homeowner prepping for record-breaking temps or a facility manager juggling tenant complaints, the time to act is now. Trust us, your future self (and your electricity bill) will thank you.