The summer heat is no joke in California, and it’s getting worse. As the climate changes, heat waves are getting longer, more intense, and more frequent.
The effects are real, and we’re already feeling them. Maybe you’ve worried about your elderly parents during a Flex Alert. Or maybe you’ve felt the dread that comes with opening an electric bill after running your AC non-stop for a week.
You might not be able to do anything to stop the heat. But you don’t have to suffer through it.
If you make smart, climate-proof home upgrades like better insulation and high-efficiency heat pumps, you can turn your house into a refuge for you and your family.
In this guide, we lay out the best upgrades to keep your house cool in extreme heat.
Start by Insulating Your House
Most people think about insulation as something that keeps you warm in the winter. But insulation is also one of the best ways to keep your house cool in the summer.
A well-insulated house slows down heat transfer, keeping outdoor heat from seeping inside. That makes it easier for your AC to keep your home cool, leading to more comfort and lower energy bills.
In California, insulation wasn’t required by building codes until the late 1970s. If you live in an older house, upgrading your attic insulation and sealing gaps around the sill plate, band joists, penetrations through walls for wiring and plumbing, attic hatches, and windows and doors can make a huge difference in both comfort and energy costs.
Save up to $1,200 on Insulation
You can save up to $1,200 on insulation and air sealing costs with the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit.
Add Heat Pumps for Energy Efficient Cooling
Heat pumps are a game-changer for California homeowners.
If your house doesn’t have central air conditioning and you’re relying on window ACs, installing ductless heat pumps will make a world of difference. They work better than window air conditioners and are significantly more energy efficient, so you get colder, more affordable AC.
Heat pumps are also available in ducted models. Ducted heat pumps connect to your air ducts and provide central air conditioning and heat for your entire home.
Save Thousands with Heat Pump Incentives
Heat pumps qualify for huge savings, including a $2,000 federal tax credit and up to $8,000 in HEEHRA rebates.
Consider Installing a Whole-House Fan
If you want to keep your house cool without AC, a whole-house fan is one of the best options.
Whole-house fans remove hot indoor air quickly by drawing cooler outdoor air into your home. You can use them strategically by turning the fan on at night when temperatures are lower and combining it with good insulation so the heat stays out during the day.
It’s a simple, often overlooked upgrade that can dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort during the summer.
Install Solar with Battery Backup for Blackouts
If you have air conditioning, you’re probably going to be fine during a heatwave. But heat waves put a lot of stress on the electric grid and can cause blackouts.
With extreme heat getting worse, you need to make a plan for when the power goes out.
Solar panels plus battery backup is the best solution. When the grid goes down, your battery can power essential systems like your refrigerator, Wi-Fi, and yes—even your heat pump. It will automatically recharge from your solar panels during the day, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel.
Plus, solar panels reduce your electricity bills year-round by generating clean power for your home. It's an investment that pays off in savings, security, and sustainability.
Save 30% with the Solar Tax Credit
When you install solar, you’ll get 30% back on your taxes with the federal solar tax credit. Solar batteries also qualify for the tax credit!
Don’t Wait Until Temps Hit Triple Digits
If this summer is anything like the last, you know what’s coming. Sweltering heat. Rising electricity bills. Flex Alerts and the looming threat of blackouts.
The right contractor can help you make meaningful upgrades that save you money and keep your family safe before the next heat wave hits.
The Clean Energy Connection is the best way to find a trusted, vetted contractor for clean energy upgrades. It’s free, easy to use, and features licensed, vetted clean energy contractors who specialize in insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency HVAC, solar, battery storage, and more.