Getting Started
HeatGuard helps you prepare for heat events by analyzing your living space, weather forecasts, and providing personalized hour-by-hour action plans.
1. Create a Profile
Go to Setup and create a profile for your location. Enter your coordinates (use the 'Use my location' button for auto-detection) and timezone.
2. Add Rooms
Add the rooms you want to monitor. Set the area, orientation (which direction windows face), ceiling height, and window properties. These affect solar gain and ventilation calculations.
3. Add Devices & Occupants
Add heat-producing devices (computers, TVs, appliances) and occupants to each room. Each person and device contributes to the internal heat load.
4. Configure AC Units
If you have air conditioning, add your units and assign them to rooms. This allows HeatGuard to calculate whether your cooling capacity is sufficient.
5. Configure AI (Optional)
For AI-powered summaries and action recommendations, configure an LLM provider. Use Setup > AI Summary for browser-side config, or start the server with --llm-provider and --llm-model flags. Ollama runs locally without an API key.
6. Fetch a Forecast
On the Setup page, click 'Fetch Forecast' to get the latest weather data for your location. Forecasts cover the next 3 days.
7. View the Dashboard
Return to the Dashboard to see your personalized heat analysis: risk level, temperature timeline, room heat budgets, recommended actions, and AI summary.
Understanding Room Parameters
SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): How much solar energy passes through windows. Low-E glass ≈ 0.3, clear single pane ≈ 0.8.
Ventilation ACH (Air Changes per Hour): How often the room's air volume is replaced. Sealed room ≈ 0.3, open windows ≈ 5.0.
Shading Factor: 0 = fully shaded (no sun enters), 1 = no shading. External shutters ≈ 0.2, internal blinds ≈ 0.6.
Orientation: South-facing rooms get the most midday sun. East faces morning sun, West faces afternoon sun.
Understanding Risk Levels
Comfortable: Cool weather, no heat risk. Peak below 22°C.
Low: Temperatures below 30°C. Normal conditions.
Moderate: Temperatures 30–35°C. Take basic precautions.
High: Temperatures 35–40°C. Significant heat stress risk.
Extreme: Temperatures above 40°C. Dangerous conditions.
Understanding Heat Budgets
Each room's heat budget compares total heat gains (devices + people + solar + ventilation) against AC cooling capacity. Status: Comfortable (>20% headroom), Marginal (0–20% headroom), Overloaded (gains exceed capacity).
Tips for Accuracy
Measure your room area and window sizes for better solar gain estimates.
Check device power ratings on labels or manufacturer specs.
Close external shutters/blinds during peak sun hours for maximum effect.
Use the gaming toggle on days when you'll be running devices at full load.