There’s nothing quite like a Las Vegas heatwave, and panic can set in fast when your AC breaks down in the middle of it. While no one wants to face this problem, knowing what to do next can keep you safe and a little more comfortable.
At Bumble Breeze, a trusted name in Las Vegas, NV, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate these tough situations with calm, practical solutions. With our expertise, you can keep your home bearable until help arrives.
Start By Shading and Closing Off the Right Spaces
When your air conditioner breaks in the middle of a heatwave, the first thing to do is stop the heat from getting worse inside your home. That means shutting windows, pulling down blinds, and closing off rooms you’re not using. If the sun is pouring in through uncovered windows, the indoor temperature climbs fast. Hang up sheets or towels if you don’t have blinds. Anything that keeps direct sunlight out will help slow the heat.
Once the house is closed up, pick one or two rooms to stay in. Keep doors closed to trap the cooler air. Basements and lower floors usually stay cooler than upstairs bedrooms. Use fans to move air around the space and aim them so they blow across your skin, not just at the center of the room. Moving air helps your body cool off even when the temperature stays high. If you only have one fan, sit directly in front of it. Cooling your body matters more than cooling the air.
Drink Often, Even If You Don’t Feel Thirsty
Heat can sneak up on you fast, especially when your AC is down. Your body needs water to sweat and stay cool, even if you’re sitting still. Don’t wait to feel thirsty. By the time you do, you might already be starting to dehydrate. Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby and take small sips every few minutes.
Skip drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or sugar. Those can cause you to lose more water. If you have kids or older adults in the house, check on them often.
They may not realize how much water they’re losing. Look for signs like dry lips, dizziness, or headaches. If you have sports drinks or electrolyte tablets, those can help replace salt and minerals lost through sweat, especially if the heat stretches into the evening.
Avoid Heat From Cooking or Appliances
Your oven, stovetop, and even dryer release a surprising amount of heat. When your AC is off, even short use makes the house feel hotter. Stick to no-cook meals like salads, sandwiches, or cold pasta dishes. If you need something warm, use the microwave. It adds much less heat to the room.
Try not to run your dishwasher, washer, or dryer until you can get AC repair service. These machines give off heat and humidity while they run, both of which make it harder to stay cool. Turn off lights when you don’t need them, especially older bulbs that get warm. If you’re charging phones or using a computer, unplug the devices when they’re full. Small things add up when the air isn’t circulating the way it normally would.
Use Water to Cool Your Skin Directly
When the air doesn’t help, cool water can make a big difference. Wet a washcloth or towel with cold water and drape it over your neck or wrists. These areas have lots of blood flow, so cooling them helps your whole body feel better. Rewet the cloth as it warms up.
If you’re overheating, take a cool shower or soak your feet in a basin of water. You can also fill a spray bottle with water and mist your skin every few minutes. Letting the water evaporate from your skin helps your body drop heat, especially if you sit in front of a fan at the same time. These tricks work best when used regularly, not just once in a while.
Check on Pets and Houseplants Too
If you’re feeling the heat, your pets and plants are feeling it too. Pets can’t cool off the way people do. Make sure they have water at all times and a shady spot to rest. Don’t take them for walks during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave them in a car, even with the windows cracked.
Plants may wilt or dry out faster when it’s hot inside. Move them away from direct sunlight if you can and give them extra water if their soil feels dry. Some plants do better with misting, while others need their roots soaked. Pay attention to drooping leaves, which can be a sign they’re under stress from heat.
Don’t Rely on Ceiling Fans Alone
Ceiling fans help move air, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. They make the air feel cooler by helping sweat evaporate from your skin. That means they work best when someone is in the room. If you’re not using a room, turn the fan off to avoid wasting electricity.
Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes air downward and creates a breeze that can help cool your skin. If the fan has only one setting or you’re not sure which way it’s spinning, stand under it and feel for air movement. If you don’t feel anything, it might be time to adjust the direction switch.
Look for Temporary Cooling Centers Nearby
When your home feels unsafe due to heat, it’s okay to leave for a cooler place. Many towns set up temporary cooling centers during extreme weather. These may be located in libraries, recreation centers, or places of worship. Check local announcements online or by phone. If you don’t have transportation, ask a neighbor or friend if they can help.
Staying somewhere cool for a few hours can help your body recover from heat stress. If you have kids, it also gives them a safe space to rest and avoid overheating. Bring water, snacks, and anything you might need for a few hours away from home. If you have pets, call ahead to check whether the center allows animals or if there’s a separate facility nearby.
Watch for Warning Signs of Heat Illness
When the temperature inside gets too high, your body starts working harder to stay cool. Sometimes it can’t keep up. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are dangerous conditions that can develop fast. Know what to look for so you can act fast.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include lots of sweating, lightheadedness, muscle cramps, nausea, and feeling weak or faint. If someone shows these symptoms, get them to a cooler spot right away, give them water, and try to cool their body with damp cloths or a fan. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical help.
Heatstroke is more dangerous and can be life-threatening. Signs include confusion, rapid heartbeat, dry skin, and loss of consciousness. Call emergency services immediately if you see these symptoms. While you wait for help, try to cool the person down by removing extra clothing, wetting their skin, and moving them to a shaded or cool space.
Prepare for AC Repair
While you wait for help, it’s a good time to write down what happened. Take note of when the system stopped working, whether there were any strange sounds or smells, and how the system behaved before the breakdown. This information helps the technician diagnose the problem faster and more accurately.
Once your AC is repaired, ask about steps to avoid another breakdown. That includes regular tune-ups, filter changes, or upgrades to parts that fail in extreme heat. Summer in your area isn’t forgiving, and your cooling system needs to be ready to keep up.
Time for Cool Air Again
While no one wants to face an AC failure in a heatwave, being prepared can help you get through it safely and with less stress. By following a few key steps and using emergency HVAC repair service, you can protect your home, health, and peace of mind.
When you’re ready to restore comfort to your space, the team at Bumble Breeze is ready to help you cool down fast.
