When temperatures climb into the upper 90s and heat indexes soar even higher, it’s more than just an uncomfortable summer day… it can become dangerous. Extreme heat can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, place additional strain on your home’s cooling system, and create unsafe conditions for children, older adults, pets, and anyone working or spending time outdoors.

At Buschur’s Refrigeration, we care about more than keeping homes comfortable. We care about the people who live in them. Here are some important tips to help you and your family stay safe during periods of extreme heat.

Stay Hydrated

Your body works harder to regulate its temperature during extreme heat, making dehydration happen much faster than many people realize.
To stay hydrated:

• Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
• If you’re working outdoors or exercising, consider drinks that help replace electrolytes.
• Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries.

If you begin feeling dizzy, weak, or unusually tired, move to a cool location immediately and drink water.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Recognizing the warning signs early can prevent a medical emergency.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, or clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting

Move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing, apply cool cloths, and encourage them to sip water.

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Signs include:

• Body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Call 911 immediately if someone is showing signs of heat stroke.

Keep Your Home Cooler

Your air conditioner works hard during periods of extreme heat. A few simple adjustments can help keep your home comfortable while reducing unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.

Try these tips:

• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Keep exterior doors and windows closed.
• Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air.
• Avoid using ovens and dryers during the afternoon whenever possible.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics that produce heat.

These small changes can make a noticeable difference in your home’s indoor temperature.

Help Your Air Conditioner Work More Efficiently

When temperatures remain high for several days, your HVAC system runs longer than usual.

Help it perform its best by:

• Replacing dirty air filters.
• Keeping furniture away from air vents.
• Leaving your thermostat at a consistent temperature instead of making frequent adjustments.
• Making sure the outdoor unit is free of grass clippings, weeds, and debris.

A well-maintained system is more likely to keep your home comfortable when you need it most.

Never Leave Children or Pets in a Parked Vehicle

Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can become deadly within minutes.

On a 90°F day, the inside of a parked vehicle can easily exceed 130°F.

Always:

• Check the back seat before locking your vehicle.
• Never leave children or pets unattended.
• Keep vehicle doors locked to prevent children from climbing inside while playing.

Check on Family, Friends, and Neighbors

Some members of our community are especially vulnerable during extreme heat.

Take a few moments to check on:

• Older adults
• Individuals with chronic health conditions
• Family members who live alone
• Neighbors without reliable air conditioning

Sometimes a quick phone call or visit can make all the difference.

Protect Your Pets

Our four-legged family members feel the heat too.

Keep pets safe by:

• Providing plenty of fresh, cool water.
• Making sure they always have access to shade.
• Walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Avoiding hot pavement that can burn paw pads.
• Never leaving pets inside parked vehicles.

If the pavement feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

When Should You Call an HVAC Professional?

During periods of extreme heat, your cooling system is under its greatest stress.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be time to schedule service:

• Warm air coming from your vents
• Weak airflow
• Unusual noises
• Ice forming on the system
• Constant cycling on and off
• Your home won’t reach the thermostat setting

Addressing small problems early can often help prevent larger, more expensive repairs later.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Extreme heat reminds us just how important a reliable cooling system can be. Whether you’re looking for seasonal maintenance, need a repair, or simply have questions about keeping your home comfortable, the Buschur’s Refrigeration team is here to help.

Most importantly, we encourage everyone in our community to stay hydrated, look out for one another, and take precautions until temperatures return to normal.

Stay safe. Stay cool. And enjoy your summer.