AC News: 3 Tips to Help You Survive a Las Vegas Heat Wave

Cities will issue excessive heat warnings when any two consecutive days have temperatures that are higher than 105 degrees. In Las Vegas, we are very familiar with excessive heat warnings, especially this year.

In the past month, we’ve experienced several warnings; in fact, one heat spell caused the day-time temperature to hover above 105 degrees for five days. When we make it out of those ranges, the temperature still only drops to 101 to 102 degrees.

This is when it is particularly important to have a strategy for keeping cool. Otherwise, heat exhaustion and heat stroke become very real possibilities. In these cases, it’s important to check on elderly family or neighbors during heat waves, because they are the most susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

If you need AC services, don’t hesitate to contact us. In a heat wave, a problem with your air conditioner will certainly qualify as an emergency, and we are available 24 hours per day to ensure you don’t go long without your air conditioning unit functioning properly. To learn more about our services in Las Vegas, call us today at 702-645-3000.

1. Do Whatever You Can to Stay Cool

This may seem like an obvious tip, but you’ll need to use different strategies to stay comfortable when it’s 107 degrees than when it’s 95 degrees outside. First, hydration is key to keeping your body cool and staving off heat exhaustion. Medicine Net explains that there is more to staying hydrated than just drinking more water.

You’ll also need to avoid substances that cause dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeine. Second, use ice whenever possible to cool your body temperature. Besides putting ice in drinks, you can apply an ice pack to your pulse points to quickly cool your blood. Try the inner section of your wrists, elbows and knees.

2. Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when you lose too much water and salt through sweat. Dehydration coupled with high body temperatures can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including severe headaches, muscle cramping, nausea, dizziness and fainting.

If symptoms of heat exhaustion appear, drink as much water as possible, and cool your body before it develops heat stroke, which can become fatal. The signs of heat stroke closely mirror those of heat exhaustion, but they are more severe. If you become confused, vomit or suffer from a rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced

Your air conditioner is only effective if it is running efficiently. If you haven’t had any maintenance done on your AC unit in a while, now is the time to do it before it gives out on you and you’re left to suffer through the heat.

If you’re interested in scheduling air conditioner maintenance or repair, call us. At Royal Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer professional and affordable AC services in Las Vegas. To learn more, call us today at 702-645-3000.