Your essential guide from Homewatch CareGivers of Libertyville to prevent heat-related risks this summer

As summer temperatures climb across Libertyville and all of Lake County, older adults become especially at risk for the serious dangers of extreme heat. Even a few hours in a hot, stuffy room can trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion, or, even more alarmingly, heat stroke, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls a life-threatening emergency. Because seniors often don’t sense thirst as strongly and may be on medications that hinder the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, taking proactive steps to keep their living space comfortable is vital.

Extended time in overheated indoor environments can worsen existing health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and lung conditions, and spark symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or fainting. Making sure air conditioners, fans, and vents are all working at peak efficiency isn’t just about keeping cool; it’s a critical safeguard against preventable, heat-related illness.

Follow the checklist below to get your parents’ or loved one’s home summer-ready, so they can stay relaxed, healthy, and secure when the heat really sets in.

1. Give the Air Conditioner Some Love

Change or Clean the Filter

Action: Every 1–3 months, replace disposable filters or wash reusable ones with mild soap and water; allow them to dry fully before reinstalling.
What to Buy: While they are a bit of a splurge, Filterte brand AC filters are low-resistance and high filtering options that can help transform your HVAC unit into a whole-home air purifier. This is especially useful if you struggle with seasonal allergies.
Benefit: Improves airflow, reduces energy consumption, and keeps dust and allergens out of the air.

Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit

Action: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from around the condenser; trim back shrubs to maintain at least two feet of clearance.
Benefit: Ensures smooth airflow, increases cooling efficiency, and prevents costly breakdowns.

Check the Refrigerant Lines

Action: Inspect the insulated lines for cracks, kinks, or oily residue; if you spot any damage, schedule a professional HVAC tune-up.
Benefit: Maintains proper refrigerant levels for consistent cooling and prevents the system from overworking.

Run a Quick Performance Test

Action: Turn the AC on for 15 minutes, then verify the air from the vents is 15–20°F cooler than room temperature and listen for unusual sounds.
Benefit: Detects potential problems early, reducing the risk of a mid-summer failure.

Pro Tip: Many HVAC companies offer spring specials. Book now to beat the summer rush and lock in a better rate.

2. Make Fans Work for You

Optimize Ceiling Fans

Action: Dust blades thoroughly and set the fan to spin counterclockwise to push cool air downward.
Benefit: Enhances the cooling effect, allowing you to raise the thermostat by several degrees without sacrificing comfort.

Use Window & Portable Fans Strategically

Action: In the evening, place a fan in a window facing outward to expel hot air; switch it to “intake” on the coolest side of the house in the morning.
What to Buy: A twin window fan like the Bionaire Thin Window Fan is an easy to use option that can both vent and blow air.
Benefit: Creates a natural breeze that reduces reliance on the AC and lowers energy bills.

Maintain Attic & Exhaust Fans

Action: Test attic and bathroom fans to ensure they activate at the correct temperatures; clear dust and lint from grills.
Benefit: Prevents heat buildup in the attic and controls indoor humidity for a more comfortable environment.

3. Use Shade and Natural Breezes

Create Cross-Breezes

Action: Open windows on opposite sides of the home during cooler morning or evening hours; install window stops for safety.
Benefit: Lowers indoor temperature without using electricity.

Hang Reflective or Blackout Shades

Action: Keep shades drawn on south- and west-facing windows between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Benefit: Reduces solar heat gain by up to 20%, easing the workload on cooling systems.

Seal Doors & Windows

Action: Inspect weather-stripping around doors and windows; replace any worn or flattened seals.
Benefit: Keeps cool air in, hot air out, and improves overall energy efficiency.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Action: Check detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Benefit: Ensures critical safety devices are operational when electrical systems are stressed by heat.

Know Your Local Cooling Options

Action: The Lake County local government maintains a number of cooling stations that can be found here. Identify the closest center and keep their addresses and hours handy.
Benefit: Provides a refuge during power outages or extreme-heat advisories.

Stock Short-Term Relief Supplies

Action: Keep a long-run battery-powered fan, a portable phone charger, and extra bottled water within easy reach.
What to Buy: The Faraday battery-powered fan lasts over 24 hours on a full charge and is a good option for most people. The Champ Lite portable charger is cheap, small, and easy to use for charging phones in a pinch.
Benefit: Offers immediate relief and communication capability until the AC is restored or power returns.

Health Reminder: If your parents show dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or extreme fatigue, seek medical attention immediately

5. Professional Support: A Watchful Partner

Routine Temperature & Humidity Monitoring

Action: Caregivers record indoor conditions at every visit and adjust fans, blinds, or portable coolers if levels exceed 78°F or 60% humidity.
Benefit: Keeps the home environment within safe comfort ranges and flags issues before they escalate.

HVAC System Observations

Action: Trained caregivers listen for odd noises at vents and observe airflow strength, reporting any concerns right away.
Benefit: Early detection of equipment strain prevents breakdowns and expensive repairs.

Filter & Vent Quick-Checks

Action: During visits, caregivers glance at air filters and vents, wiping away dust or swapping filters as needed.
Benefit: Maintains air quality and system efficiency without extra effort on your part.

Heat-Stress Vigilance

Action: Caregivers watch for signs of heat stress—dry lips, flushed skin, lethargy—and prompt fluid intake or cooling snacks.
Benefit: Prevents dehydration and overheating before serious symptoms develop.

Proactive Communication & Coordination

Action: If any problem arises—failing thermostat, blocked exhaust fan, or signs of overheating—the caregiver notifies you immediately and helps schedule follow-up repairs.
Benefit: Ensures timely intervention and peace of mind, knowing someone is always watching out for your loved one.

Help Your Loved Ones Enjoy a Safer, Cooler Summer
With clear, actionable steps, and the expertise of Homewatch CareGivers of Libertyville you can protect your senior family members from the dangers of extreme heat.

Ready to get started? Call us at 847-503-9639 or visit our website to set up a customized summer care plan today.