How to Keep Your House Cool This Las Vegas Summer

Las Vegas summers push 115+ degrees. Your AC is working overtime, your electric bill is climbing, and somehow it still feels warm inside. The problem usually starts with your windows. They account for 40-50% of your home's cooling load.

Here's what actually makes a difference.

Start With Your Windows

If you do one thing, address your west-facing windows first. They take direct afternoon sun during the hottest part of the day, and that heat pours straight into your home.

• West-facing windows are the biggest problem and the biggest opportunity
• Solar screens on west-facing windows make the single largest impact on indoor temperature
• South-facing windows are your next priority

Thermostat Strategy

• Set to 76 during the day and 74 at night
• Every degree below 78 increases your cooling costs by 3-5%
• Use a programmable thermostat and raise the temperature when you're away

Ceiling Fans Save 12-16%

• Run them counterclockwise in summer to push air down
• Fans let you raise the thermostat 2-4 degrees without noticing the difference

Seal the Gaps

• $20 of caulk around windows and doors can save $30-50 per month
• Check the weatherstripping on all exterior doors - if you can see daylight, it needs replacing

Shade Your AC Condenser

• A shaded condenser runs 10% more efficiently than one baking in direct sun
• Keep 2-3 feet of clearance around the unit for proper airflow

What's Not Worth It

Not every tip you'll find online actually works in Las Vegas heat. Save your money on these:

• Attic fans - Minimal impact when it's 115 outside. The attic heat isn't your main problem; the windows are.
• Reflective roof coatings - Marginal benefit for most single-story homes. Not worth the cost unless you're already reroofing.
• Blackout curtains alone - By the time heat reaches your curtains, it's already through the glass and inside your home. Curtains help with glare but don't stop the heat.