Tri-State Heat Wave Guide and Resources: Keeping a House Cool in Extreme Heat

This week’s extreme heat across the Tri-State area is a reminder that scorching temperatures are no longer limited to traditionally hot regions. As climate change accelerates, heat waves in the Northeast are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting—putting added stress on homes, infrastructure, and our health.

While not every heat wave causes immediate damage, the risks are real. It’s important to take these events seriously and stay informed. This Redfin guide includes practical strategies for keeping your house cool in extreme heat, along with local Tri-State resources to help you navigate the impacts of the 2025 heat wave.

How heat waves affect your home long-term

In New York City and the Tri-State area, extreme heat paired with high humidity can take a toll on your home, even if you don’t see the damage right away. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heat waves in the U.S. have become more frequent, lasting longer, and reaching higher daytime and nighttime temperatures, which puts homes and systems under greater strain.

Here’s what to watch for in humid conditions:

• Mold and mildew in attics, basements, or around windows
• Swelling or warping of wood floors, doors, and trim
• Condensation inside walls or insulation
• Overworked HVAC systems, which may wear out faster and drive up costs
  

In drier parts of the country, like Arizona or Nevada, homes tend to face different issues such as cracked roofing and foundation shifts due to dry soil. But here in the Northeast, it’s the combination of heat and moisture that creates long-term challenges.

Simple tips for keeping a house cool in extreme heat

When a heat wave hits, small changes around your home can make a big difference. Try these tips to stay cooler indoors without overworking your A/C and to help protect your home from heat-related damage.

1. Use a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier doesn’t lower temperature directly but removes moisture from the air, creating a cooler, more comfortable space and helping prevent mold, mildew, and wood warping caused by humidity.

2. Replace your light bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are surprisingly inefficient—up to 90–95% of the energy they use is released as heat rather than light. Replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs not only lowers your power bill but also keeps your house cooler. That’s because these types of bulbs produce much less heat than standard bulbs while still creating the same amount of light. A typical 100-watt bulb can raise the room temperature by 11 degrees per hour.

3. Unplug your appliances

Every outlet, when it has an appliance plugged into it, will emit a small amount of heat. This may seem trivial, but when you’re fighting to keep your house cool, every degree counts. 

4. Cut back on cooking indoors

Heat from cooking will add to the temperature in the house. If you’re struggling with keeping a house cool in extreme heat, consider cooking outside or visiting an air-conditioned restaurant.

5. Block out the sun

To cool down your house during a heat wave, keep the blinds or shades closed from late morning to early evening. Tinted window film or blackout shades can also help keep your house 10-15 degrees cooler.

6. Set your ceiling fan to run counter-clockwise 

A ceiling fan can help keep your house cool during the summer. You want your ceiling fan to be blowing downwards to cool the room. Every fan has a directional switch, so be sure yours is set to run counter-clockwise during the summer months.

7. Use a personal fan

If you are sitting in a warm room you can use a personal fan to circulate the air around you and cool off. If the outside temperature is cooler than inside, open the window and place the fan directly in front of it to pull that cooler air in from the outside.

8.  Install an air conditioner with a programmable thermostat

Installing a whole-house, window, or room air conditioner with a programmable thermostat will help cool a hot room fast. You can save money when you’re not home by keeping the house a little warmer and then programming the A/C to turn on right before coming home from work. It keeps you comfortable while you’re there and prevents your home from heating up too much while you’re gone.

9. Keep gutters and drains clear

Proper water drainage is essential for protecting your home, especially after heat waves when sudden storms can occur. Efficient drainage directs rainwater away from your foundation, preventing water buildup that can lead to cracks, erosion, and structural damage. 

In case of heat-related damage or emergencies

If you or your home are facing an emergency situation due to extreme heat—whether from power outages, lack of cooling, or unsafe living conditions—there are resources available to help. Below are support options for residents of the tri-state area.

Financial assistance programs

• Cooling Assistance (HEAP/LIHEAP): All three states offer cooling assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP in NY and LIHEAP in NJ/CT). These programs help income-eligible households pay for air conditioners, fans, or cooling-related energy costs:
  • NY HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit: Eligible New Yorkers can receive up to $800–$1,000 toward the purchase and installation of air conditioners or fans. Access further information here. 
  • NJ/CT Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides funding to help pay for energy costs and emergency cooling assistance. Access further information here.
• Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP): These programs help improve long-term home energy efficiency by upgrading insulation, sealing leaks, and repairing cooling systems—especially helpful for older or poorly insulated homes.
• • NY WAP
  • NJ WAP
  • CT WAP

Emergency cooling centers and shelter options

• NYC Cooling Center Finder: Find air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, senior centers, and NYCHA buildings here. 
• New Jersey 211 – Cooling Center Locations: Call 2-1-1 or visit the site to locate cooling centers in your NJ county.
• Connecticut United Way 211: Use the hotline or website to find local cooling centers and heat safety support.

Home repair and recovery services

• NYC home owner repair grants and loans: Low- and moderate-income homeowners may qualify for urgent repairs or grants through city-funded programs. Learn more.

Power outage preparedness and support

• Con Edison (NYC and parts of NY/CT): Check outage maps, report a 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 parts of NY): Get real-time updates, safety guidance, and power restoration support.
• Ready.gov – Heat and Power Outage Preparedness: Federal guidance for preparing for blackouts during extreme heat.

Caring for yourself, neighbors, and local animals

Extreme heat affects homes, bodies, minds, and communities. When it comes to keeping your house cool in extreme heat, it’s equally important to protect well-being, support those at risk, and care for pets and animals. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available to help.

Mental health and heat stress support

• NYC Well: A free, confidential support line offering 24/7 mental health help via call, text, or chat. nyc.gov/nycwell | Call or text 988
• NJ Mental Health Cares: New Jersey’s statewide helpline for mental health support and referrals.  njmentalhealthcares.org | 866-202-HELP (4357)
• CT Mental Health Hotline: Access support and resources through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. ct.gov/dmhas

Support for older adults and vulnerable populations

• NYC Aging Heat Safety Services: Services and outreach for older adults during Code Red alerts, including wellness checks and help accessing cooling centers. Visit here.
• NJ Division of Aging Services: Offers transportation, cooling referrals, and emergency assistance for seniors. Visit here.
• CT Elder Services Hotline: Seniors and caregivers can call for guidance on staying safe during extreme heat. Visit here.

Pet and animal care

• ASPCA Pet Safety in Heat Guide: Access tips here for keeping dogs, cats, and other animals safe during extreme temperatures. 
• NYC Animal Care Centers (ACC): Provides shelter and assistance for pets during emergencies; check for heat alerts.
• New Jersey Animal Shelters Directory: The NJ Department of Health maintains a list of licensed animal shelters, organized by county, where residents can find emergency boarding or cooling assistance for pets. 
• Connecticut Animal Shelter Directory: Find municipal animal shelters and animal control contacts across Connecticut. Use the state directory to locate shelter options during heat emergencies.

Staying safe and keeping your house cool in extreme heat

Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe in areas like the Tri-State area, making it increasingly important to stay informed and prepared. By taking simple steps to keep your house cool in extreme heat, watching for signs of home damage, and knowing where to find help, you can protect your home, your health, and your community.

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