DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - Researchers at Iowa State University developed a new app over the summer to help monitor heat in buildings and homes that lack air conditioning.

The research began when Polk County reached out in 2016 with a question after noticing different temperatures in different types of homes.

“We don’t really know why some are hotter than others,” said Ulrike Passe, ISU professor of architecture.

Like a weather forecast, Passe said CommHEAT can predict what will happen inside homes. She said it can be helpful for people like the elderly or those who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

“Then they can make informed decisions about, I should better call my neighbors or, go and, go to a cooling center or a library,” Passe said.

The app also has a social aspe

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