How to Beat the Las Vegas Summer Heat Without Losing Your Cool
Practical ways to stay cool in a Las Vegas summer: timing, hydration, ceiling fans, sleep, and smart thermostat settings that cool the house for less.
To beat the Las Vegas summer heat, stay out of the midday sun, drink water all day, dress light, run ceiling fans counterclockwise, and let a smart thermostat cool the house on a schedule instead of all day. July and August regularly push well past 100 degrees, so staying cool is about health as much as comfort. Here is what works, plus a few ways your security system can help.
Avoid the sun at its worst
The middle of the day is the hottest and most dangerous time to be outside. Plan errands, yard work, and dog walks for early morning or evening, and spend midday indoors in air conditioning or shade.
Hydration comes first
Dry desert air pulls water out of your body faster than you notice. Keep water nearby and sip it through the day, even indoors. Lemon, cucumber, or mint make it easier to drink more.
Dress for the temperature, not the trend
Loose, light-colored cotton or linen reflects sunlight and lets your body cool itself. In this heat, comfort beats style.
Let a smart thermostat do the work
A good AC unit is a must. Pairing it with a smart thermostat from Sting Alarm lets you:
- Set schedules so the house is cool when you are home and not cooling an empty house all day.
- Change the temperature from your phone, in the same app that controls your alarm.
- Raise the set point automatically when you arm the system away.
- Use geofencing to start cooling as you head home.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that running your AC at 78 F instead of 72 F lowers your cooling bill (energy.gov summer energy tips).
Use ceiling fans the right way
In summer, set fans to spin counterclockwise to push air down and create a wind-chill effect. The Department of Energy says that lets you raise the thermostat about 4 F with no reduction in comfort. Turn fans off in empty rooms, since they cool people, not rooms.
Cool down from the inside out
Cold snacks like frozen fruit, smoothies, or popsicles help, and so does a cool shower after a long day outside.
Sleep better on hot nights
Keep blackout curtains closed during the day, switch to lightweight bedding, and use a fan at night. A thermostat schedule can drop the temperature a little before bed and raise it while you are out.
Keep your home protected when the grid is stressed
Heat waves can strain the power grid. Every Sting Alarm panel has a backup battery so your security system stays online during power outages, and the standard Qolsys IQ Panel 5 has a built-in cellular communicator. Learn more about smart home security or get a free quote.
Summer in Las Vegas, the smart way
Las Vegas summers are intense, but smart habits and the right technology make them easier. If you are leaving town to escape the heat, read our vacation home security checklist before you go.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best thermostat setting for a Las Vegas summer?
The U.S. Department of Energy points to 78 F as a setting that lowers cooling bills compared with 72 F, with the house kept warmer while you are away. A smart thermostat can handle those changes for you on a schedule or when you arm your security system.
Which way should a ceiling fan spin in summer?
Counterclockwise, looking up at the fan. That pushes air down and creates a wind-chill effect. The U.S. Department of Energy says a ceiling fan lets you raise the thermostat about 4 F with no reduction in comfort. Turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not rooms.
Can I control my thermostat while I am away from home?
Yes. A smart thermostat on your security system lets you change the temperature from the same app you use to arm the alarm, and geofencing can start cooling as you head home.
What happens to my security system if the power goes out in a heat wave?
Sting Alarm installs a backup battery in the security panel so it stays online during power outages, and the standard panel has a built-in cellular communicator so alarm signals still reach our monitoring center.