Top Mistakes People Make During a Heatwave—and How to Avoid Them

When summer temperatures skyrocket, staying cool becomes a full-time job. But instead of battling the heat efficiently, many of us unknowingly make common mistakes that worsen indoor temperatures and inflate our energy bills. 

From poorly timed window habits to neglecting our air conditioners, it’s easy to sabotage comfort without realizing it.

Let’s break down the top mistakes people make during a heatwave—and introduce a smart way to beat the heat without breaking a sweat.

Common Heatwave Mistakes That Hurt More Than Help

Mistake #1: Opening Windows at the Wrong Time

It’s tempting to crack open a window when you're overheated—but during a heatwave, this can backfire. If it's hotter outside than inside, you’re letting the furnace in. 

The ideal times for window ventilation are early morning (before 7 AM) or late evening (after 7 PM), when outdoor temperatures dip. 

Always check both temperature and humidity before airing out your home.

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Window Treatments

Your curtains could be making your house hotter. Dark or heavy fabrics absorb sunlight and radiate it inward. 

Instead, opt for light-colored or thermal-backed blackout curtains that reflect heat. 

Install cellular shades for extra insulation, and time curtain closures to block heat before it enters—especially on east- and west-facing windows.

Mistake #3: Running Heat-Producing Appliances Midday

Ovens, dryers, and even hair dryers turn your cool home into a sauna. Avoid using these during peak heat hours. 

Cook breakfast early, do laundry late, and consider grilling or making no-cook meals when it’s scorching. 

Moving these activities outside or to cooler parts of the day eases the load on your A/C.

Mistake #4: Misplacing Fans

Fans are only effective when used correctly. They don’t cool rooms—they cool people.

For best results, position window fans to pull hot air out and bring cooler air in from shaded areas. Turn off ceiling or box fans in empty rooms to conserve energy.

Klima - Smart Home Thermostat for Mini-splits, Air Conditioners and Heatpumps

Compatible with all brands of ACs and Mini-Splits Automate Climate Management Control remotely Reduce Energy Consumption Monitor bills in realtime

Try Now

Mistake #5: Skipping AC Maintenance

Your air conditioner needs upkeep—especially when it’s working overtime. 

Dirty filters, blocked vents, and grimy outdoor units reduce performance and spike energy use. 

Swap filters monthly during summer, clear debris from the outside unit, and schedule pre-season checkups to catch issues early.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Humidity

It’s not just the heat—it’s the humidity. Excess moisture makes warm air feel unbearable and hampers your body’s natural cooling system. 

Cooking, showering, and laundry add to indoor humidity. Combat this with exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and regular monitoring to maintain a drier, more comfortable space.

Klima Smart Thermostat - Your Smart Heatwave Ally

Fighting the summer heat isn’t just about what you stop doing—it’s also about using smart tools that help you stay ahead of the temperature. 

Klima is a smart thermostat built to transform your ductless A/C into a fully connected cooling system.

With Klima, you’re not just reacting to heat—you’re managing it with precision and intelligence.

Klima's Smart Features That Work for You

1. Remote Access

Adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere, with Klima’s smart app - Boldr Energy, whether you're commuting or on vacation.

2. Location-Sensing

Klima automatically powers down your ductless HVAC system when everyone leaves and preps a cool home when someone’s on the way back.

3. Energy Monitoring

See exactly how much energy you’re mini-split is using and receive real-time bill predictions, saving up to 30% on cooling costs.

4. Smart Scheduling Via Klima’s Automations

Set climate schedules for every room where a Klima and mini-split is located, syncing with your daily routine for optimal comfort.

5. Smart Zoning

Klima’s Smart Zoning allows different temperature settings in different areas—perfect for personal preferences and energy savings.

6. Open Window Detection

Klima detects open windows and temporarily shuts off your HVAC system to prevent energy waste.

7. System Health Monitoring

Get alerts when your mini-split or AC needs attention, via the Boldr Energy app, helping prevent breakdowns during heatwaves.

8. Guest Access & Guardian Mode

Let guests adjust the temperature while you set protective limits of your mini-split to save money and energy.

Seamless Smart Home Integration

Klima doesn’t just work smart—it works with your smart home. 

It’s compatible with every ductless A/C brand and age, and integrates with Google Home, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. 

This means Klima fits into your existing smart setup effortlessly and responds to voice commands or automations just like any other connected device.

Conclusion

Surviving a heatwave isn’t about suffering in silence or blasting your AC nonstop. 

By avoiding common mistakes and leveraging tools like Klima, you can stay cool, cut energy costs, and keep your home running efficiently. 

Don’t let the heat win—get ahead of it with smart choices and even smarter technology.