Right now, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning covering the Salt Lake Valley, Davis and Weber counties, Tooele and Rush Valleys, Utah Valley, the Wasatch Back, Cache Valley, and much of northern and central Utah — and it's in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 14. Temperatures across the Wasatch Front could reach 104°–107°F, with overnight lows staying in the low-to-mid 70s offering very little relief.
Everyone is talking about staying hydrated and finding shade — and that's exactly right. But at The Disaster Repair Team, we also want to flag something that gets less attention during a heat event: what extreme heat can do to your home. Here's a plain-English rundown of the risks, and what you can do about them.
Your AC Is Working Harder Than It Ever Has
When outdoor temps push past 100°F, your air conditioner is running near or beyond its design limits. A system that's been coasting along fine all summer can suddenly struggle or fail outright during a prolonged heat event like this one. If your AC stops cooling effectively and indoor temps climb above 90°F — especially if you have elderly family members, young children, or anyone with a medical condition at home — that's a situation that needs urgent attention, not a wait-and-see approach.
A few quick checks you can do yourself before calling a technician:
- Check your air filter. A clogged filter can starve your system of airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze — which ironically means no cool air comes out. If you can't see light through the filter, swap it and let the system rest 2–3 hours before restarting.
- Check your thermostat. Make sure it's set to "Cool" and the temperature setting is below your current indoor reading. Replace the batteries if needed.
- Check the circuit breaker. Look for a tripped breaker labeled "AC" or "HVAC" and reset it once. If it trips again immediately, stop and call a pro — don't force it.
- Clear the outdoor unit. Make sure there's at least two feet of clear space around your condenser and that debris hasn't piled up against the fins.
AC Failures Can Lead to Water Damage
Here's the part most homeowners don't think about: when an AC system works overtime and then breaks down or freezes up, it can create a water damage situation. A frozen evaporator coil that thaws unexpectedly can overflow the condensate drain pan. Clogged condensate drain lines — which get sluggish in heavy-use periods — can back up and drip water into your ceiling, walls, or attic. If your AC is in a closet, attic, or utility room, it's worth a quick visual check of the area around and below the air handler unit during a heat stretch like this one.
Water Heaters and Plumbing Under Pressure
Extreme heat — especially with warm overnight lows that don't give your home a chance to cool — puts added stress on your water heater. An older unit working hard to maintain temperature can develop pressure issues. It's a good habit to know where your water heater's shutoff valve is located, and to keep an eye out for any signs of moisture, rust, or pooling water around the base of the tank.
What to Do If You See Water Where It Doesn't Belong
If you spot water dripping from a ceiling, pooling under your AC air handler, or spreading from around your water heater, here are the immediate steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the affected fixture or appliance if you can safely do so.
- If it's an AC condensate issue, turn the system off at the thermostat.
- Move valuables and absorbent items (rugs, boxes, furniture) out of the wet area.
- Place towels or buckets to contain the spread, then call a restoration professional — don't just let it "dry out" on its own, as hidden moisture leads to mold within 24–48 hours.
After the Heat: Watch for Monsoon Moisture
Weather forecasters are already watching for the Western monsoon pattern to develop across Utah as early as the middle of next week, which could bring afternoon thunderstorms — particularly to southern and central Utah. Flash flooding and runoff are real possibilities after a prolonged dry heat stretch. We'll keep an eye on that and post guidance as the pattern develops.
In the meantime, stay cool, check on your neighbors, and don't hesitate to reach out if something looks off at your home. The Disaster Repair Team serves Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, and Tooele counties — and we're always a phone call away.