Extreme Heat Strains Cooling Systems Across the U.S., Repair Costs Soar
A recent analysis by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies reveals that over 13 million U.S. households experienced uncomfortably hot indoor conditions for at least 24 hours in 2023, despite having air conditioning. Equipment breakdowns were the leading cause, affecting 42% of these households. The issue is exacerbated by a late-summer heatwave gripping the Southwest and Southern Plains, with near-record temperatures expected through the first week of meteorological fall. Repair costs for cooling systems are steep, averaging $2,200 per unit, according to a 2025 Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia study. Rising electricity costs and inadequate insulation further compound the problem, leaving many Americans vulnerable to extreme heat. 
