Heating Summerlin

Most homes in Las Vegas use natural gas furnaces for heating. Some residences use electric systems, such as heat pumps, but it is not common. What is becoming increasingly common, however, is newer homes incorporating energy-efficient heating systems. Even the homes that do use natural gas finalize most of their heating in an efficient manner.

Indeed, Summerlin is typically thought of as one of the wealthier parts of Las Vegas. It's what they call a "master-planned" place, meaning someone had a plan to put it there, started building it, and then kept on with the plan. That someone was Del E. Webb, a Las Vegas real estate mogul. He built not just homes but a whole community full of them. And full of other stuff, too. Summerlin nowadays contains lots more nice things (golf courses, parks, shopping centers) than not-so-nice things, making it a relatively desirable place to live in Las Vegas compared to many other spots within the so-called Las Vegas Valley.

Indeed, Summerlin is mostly cooler than Henderson. Its elevation is higher, and it's nearer to Red Rock Canyon, which lend themselves to slightly milder temperatures than those found in the lower-elevation, more urban Henderson.

The desirable location, upscale amenities, and well-planned development of Summerlin combine to make the area very expensive. Several parks, golf courses, and recreation centers serve to heighten my community's appeal; however, much of the summer heat also drives me to the shade of those same facilities. More to the point, Summerlin has excellent schools (my kids are in first grade and fifth grade), safe neighborhoods (my wife and I have a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old, and we feel safe in our home), and easy access to dining, shopping, and various forms of entertainment (I can't say that I've used each form of entertainment, but between golf, the pool, and my basement office, I'm staying cooler and more sane than I did last summer). And if you want to live in a semi-suburban community that offers the kinds of outdoor baseball and indoor dining options that Las Vegas does, Summerlin is your place.

The residents of Las Vegas and Summerlin endure the sweltering heat by relying on air conditioning and avoiding being outdoors when the sun is at its hottest. When they are outside, they wear the kind of clothing you would expect to see in a desert climate—light and loose. They're well aware that their bodies can't function in that kind of heat without a sufficient amount of water, so they keep themselves hydrated to the max. Of course, they also use every sun-shielding tactic known to humankind to keep from getting fried. And when that fried feeling really sets in, they head for the indoor attractions all over town.

To maintain a cool living environment in Las Vegas, use energy-efficient windows and window treatments to keep out the heat. They’re your first line of defense. You also need to make sure that the central cooling system is well maintained and running smoothly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if an air conditioner is not working well, it can cause a 50% increase in your energy bill, and that’s not taking into account the price you pay for the up-front purchase of a new unit. Ceiling fans are great for making a room feel like it’s cooler than it really is. They don’t really lower the temperature; they just keep the air moving around you. But you can’t have a ceiling fan in every room, and that’s where a whole-house fan comes in.

The summer months in Las Vegas see the most intense heat, with temperatures regularly surpassing 100°F (38°C). But the desert city's low humidity means that it's not as sweltering as it might otherwise be. Even so, fun is about the only way to cope with the heat. If you're going to be outside in the afternoon, you might as well be in a pool; if you're going to be inside, it would be a good idea to wander around in a hotel (or even a casino) with a fun, air-conditioned interior.

When it comes to escaping the heat in Las Vegas, the best bet is to visit the plethora of indoor entertainment attractions that the city has to offer. The casinos and resorts that line the Strip are some of the most interactive and immersive places to spend your time and money. What’s more, each of these venues is well equipped with air conditioning. The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are virtually vacuums of stunning indoor experiences, but the heat will make any such stop feel all the more rewarding, not to mention the restaurants within both spaces, which also promise to be heat-free zones. Avoiding the direct sun at any of these venues could very well feel like a successful escape.

In order to dress suitably in the intense heat of Las Vegas, one should select lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. The next layer of your outfit should also be fabric that allows air to flow. While pants may be more comfortable and professional for some settings, wearing a floor-length skirt lets in more air, which is going to keep you cooler. Shirts with a bit of volume are going to be much more comfortable than tight-fitting ones because they allow for more freedom of movement and also more airflow.

Although Las Vegas may not be the most torrid locale in the U.S., it is certainly among the top contenders. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas classifies the region's summer heat as extreme, with no fewer than 21 days in the forecast reliably hitting or surpassing a century mark between June 1 and September 30.