Weatherproofing: how to prepare for a heat wave
Extreme heat preparedness for your home and vehicle.
根据国家海洋和大气管理局的数据， July 2021 was officially the hottest month ... ever. As we prepare for another potentially record-breaking summer, it’s critical to consider how this heat affects your home, car and other personal property. Find out how to prepare for extreme heat and summer temperatures.
How to prepare your car for hot weather
Sun exposure can cause a lot of wear and tear on your car. 这些情况可能会以您意想不到的方式对许多系统造成严重破坏, 所以确保某些元素在进入这个季节时处于最佳状态是很重要的.
Tires
过热会降低轮胎和挡风玻璃刮水器中橡胶的弹性. Make sure you have good quality wiper blades, such as those made with silicone rubber, which is more resistant to the elements. Check your tires 修补裂缝，并将裂缝填充到建议的胎压，以帮助防止橡胶产生额外的压力.
Car battery
你的电池是另一个在炎热的夏天可能会遇到麻烦的部件. 在季节变化之前，一定要检查一下电池的寿命. 如果它老了，接近使用寿命，现在就考虑更换. 旧电池可能无法在高能量需求期间保持充电, such as when you are running the air conditioning. 与其被困在危险的高温中，不如现在就把电池换掉.
Fluids
一些专家建议在夏天和冬天之前换血. Depending on your vehicle and climate, 在夏季和冬季，你的车可能会受益于不同类型的油. Regardless of whether or not you need different products, 在进入新季节之前，最好确保你的油和其他液体保持在推荐的水平.
Coolants and climate control system
冷却剂确保你的发动机元件保持在合适的温度，而气候控制系统管理车内的温度. 如果你的冷却剂使用了一年多，在夏天之前更换. 确保它在适当的水平，如果需要的话，把它盖上. 在夏天之前检查一下你的气候控制系统也是个好主意. If your air conditioner is working too hard, it can put a strain on the engine and lead to breakdowns.
Weatherproofing your home
在极端温度下保持家里凉爽可能很昂贵， but it can also be dangerous 如果你考虑到连续运行一台空调要消耗多少能量. According to SafeElectricity.org, if your air conditioner is overused, 它会给你家里的整体电气健康带来压力，让你容易受到电气火灾或电击的伤害. 这就是为什么你的家的防风雨和极端高温的准备是如此重要. 这里有一些建议，可以帮助你在夏天保持家里凉爽，减少空调可能造成的电气压力.
Insulation
更新你房子里的绝缘材料——尤其是天花板——可以防止冷空气从你的房子里泄漏出来. In addition to preventing air-conditioned air from escaping, 改善天花板的隔热可以降低房子的整体温度.
Air conditioner
It’s best to call a professional to check your air conditioner every year to make sure it’s running efficiently. There are some things you could do on your own, 比如更换任何过滤器，并仔细清理外部单元的碎片, leaves and dirt.
Awnings
安装遮阳篷，防止阳光直接射入窗户，也可以减少你对空调的需求，节省能源. For a west-facing window, awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%.
Ceiling fans
According to energy.比如，吊扇能有效地给你的房子降温，因为它们能让空气在房间里流动. In fact, 如果你逆时针转动吊扇，同时开着空调, you can turn up the thermostat by about four degrees and still have the same level of comfort.
Timer or programmable thermostat
现在是提前做好准备，安装一个定时或可编程的恒温器的好时机. 当你给恒温器设定程序，让它在你不在的时候提高温度, 它可以减少你对空调的依赖，减少你的能源需求. 这不仅可以减少家里的能源压力，还可以节省你的钱. 在正常到中等气候条件下，有一个可编程恒温器可以 save you 10% on your energy bill.
