Alexandria, VA (July 3, 2026) — As a historic heat dome pushes heat indices to 105–115°F across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is urging families to connect with HVAC professionals to keep their homes safe during this dangerous stretch of extreme heat.
With more than 200 million Americans under heat alerts, air conditioning has shifted from a comfort feature to a life-saving necessity. Overnight lows are staying in the 75–80°F range in many regions, denying households the overnight relief that normally helps the body recover from daytime heat stress — a pattern health officials say significantly raises the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
"When a heat dome like this settles in, a cooling system isn't a luxury — it's medical equipment, a food safety system, and a family's first line of defense all at once," said Kate Wessels, VP of Communications, Marketing, and Partnerships of ACCA. "Our contractors are on the front lines of this heat wave, working long hours to make sure cooling systems don't fail, insulin stays cold, and families have a safe place to ride out the worst of it. That's the job ACCA members show up to do every single day of a heat emergency like this one."
Why Working Air Conditioning Matters Beyond Comfort
ACCA is highlighting three critical, often-overlooked reasons a functioning HVAC system matters most during extreme heat events:
- Protecting vulnerable family members. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can develop quickly, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. A reliable, well-maintained cooling system is one of the most effective tools for preventing heat-related illness at home.
- Safeguarding the food supply. Commercial refrigeration and home cooling work together to prevent food spoilage during extended heat events, especially when grid strain leads to rolling outages or brownouts in high-demand areas.
- Preserving temperature-sensitive medical necessities. Many households rely on air conditioning to safely store insulin, other refrigerated medications, and medical equipment that can be compromised by extreme indoor heat.
ACCA Contractors Are Ready to Help
As demand for HVAC service spikes nationwide, ACCA member contractors are ready to help families and businesses keep their systems running through the heat emergency.
ACCA encourages consumers to use trusted resources to find help quickly when needed, including:
ACCA's Contractor Locator — a free, searchable directory that connects homeowners and businesses directly with ACCA member contractors in their area for emergency repairs, maintenance, and system checks.
ACCA at Home — a consumer resource hub offering practical guidance on maintaining air conditioning systems, recognizing warning signs of AC failure before they become emergencies, and understanding when to call a professional versus attempting a DIY fix.
Tips for Families During the Heat Dome
- Watch for early warning signs of AC trouble — weak airflow, unusual noises, or a system that runs constantly without cooling effectively.
- Avoid overworking an aging or already-strained system; schedule a professional check rather than waiting for a full breakdown.
- Identify an HVAC contractor before an emergency hits, using resources like ACCA's Contractor Locator.
- Have a backup plan — such as a nearby cooling center or a relative's home — in case of a system failure during peak heat.
"ACCA is not just responding to a heat emergency — we're reminding families and businesses that help is available and easy to find," Wessels added. "That's what ACCA contractors do — they show up to protect homes, businesses, health, and peace of mind."
To find an ACCA contractor near you, visit the Contractor Locator. For more tips on protecting your home and family during extreme heat, visit ACCA at Home.
Media inquiries:
Kate Wessels
VP of Communications, Marketing, and Partnerships
kate.wessels@acca.org
703-824-8864