How to Stay Cool When the AC Isn't Enough: Heat Wave Survival Tips

When a serious heat dome settles in, air conditioning is your first line of defense. But AC units break down, power outages happen, and not everyone has access to a well-cooled space. When the temperature inside your home starts climbing, knowing what to do next can be a matter of safety.

Optimize Your AC

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or below and keep it there consistently rather than cycling it on and off. A fan alone does not cool the air, but running a ceiling or box fan while the AC is on helps circulate cooled air more efficiently, making the system work less hard.

Close blinds and curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day. Direct sunlight streaming through glass can significantly raise a room's temperature, even with the AC running. Blackout curtains can drop indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees compared to uncovered windows.

Avoid using the oven or stove during peak heat hours. Cooking adds heat and humidity to your indoor environment, forcing your AC to compensate.