Learn what to do when a heat wave hits Boise and you’re stuck with no power
Why This Is Worth Planning For Now
Idaho Power has been upfront about what summer looks like on the grid these days: as temperatures climb, demand for electricity climbs right along with it, and the system comes under real stress during peak heat. Most outages in our area are short — Idaho Power’s own data points to an average of under four hours a year per customer — but a stretch of 100-degree days can change that math fast. Add in high wind events that trigger precautionary shutoffs, an aging transformer here or there, or a summer storm that knocks down a line, and a Treasure Valley home can lose power exactly when it needs cooling the most.
The good news is that a few minutes of preparation now means you won’t be scrambling — or sweating it out blindly — when the power actually goes out mid-July.
The First 15 Minutes Without Power
Turn your thermostat to “off,” not just lower the set temperature. If your AC was running when the power dropped, leave the system off until power is confirmed stable. When electricity returns, a sudden surge as every AC compressor in the neighborhood tries to restart at once can cause additional strain or trip breakers. Most modern thermostats and outdoor units have a built-in delay for exactly this reason, but switching the system off yourself removes any guesswork.
Close blinds, shades, and curtains on sun-facing windows immediately. Direct sunlight is one of the fastest ways a home heats up once the AC stops running. Closing window coverings can keep a room measurably cooler over the next few hours compared to leaving them open.
Shut interior doors to unused rooms. This keeps the cooler air that’s already in your home concentrated in the spaces you’re actually using, rather than spreading evenly throughout the house as the whole structure slowly warms.
Unplug sensitive electronics. Power surges are common both when an outage starts and when power is restored. Protect TVs, computers, and any HVAC-connected smart thermostats by unplugging them if you have a moment before the outage worsens, or as soon as you notice one has occurred.
Keeping the House (and Everyone In It) Cool Without AC
A home without air conditioning during a heat wave can climb in temperature quickly, but there are several things that genuinely help in the meantime:
- Battery-powered or USB fans can keep air moving across your skin, which helps your body cool itself even when the air temperature isn’t dropping. Point fans toward open windows in the early morning or evening if outdoor temps have dropped below indoor ones.
- Move to the lowest level of the home. Heat rises, so basements and ground floors stay cooler longer than upper floors and attics.
- Wet washcloths on the back of the neck, wrists, or forehead cool the blood near the skin’s surface and can offer real relief during the hottest parts of the day.
- Limit oven and stove use. Cooking adds heat and humidity to an already-warm home. Cold meals or a grill outside are better choices during an outage.
- Stay hydrated and watch for heat-related illness. Older adults, young children, and pets are particularly vulnerable during extended outages in extreme heat. Watch for symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness, confusion, or nausea, which can indicate heat exhaustion and require immediate attention.
Should You Consider a Backup Generator?
For homeowners who’ve dealt with repeated or extended outages, a backup generator — whether a portable unit sized to run essentials or a permanently installed standby generator wired into your electrical panel — is worth a serious look. A correctly sized standby generator can keep your AC, refrigerator, and key circuits running through a multi-hour or even multi-day outage without anyone needing to do anything once it’s installed and set up.
That said, generator installation isn’t a DIY weekend project. It requires the right electrical work, proper venting, and in most cases a permit, since backfeeding power into your home’s wiring incorrectly can be dangerous to you and to utility workers. If you’re considering a generator as part of your home’s overall power and cooling resilience, our team can walk you through sizing options and what installation involves for your specific setup.
A Few Things Not to Do
- Never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage, or near a window or air intake. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which can build to dangerous levels indoors or in any enclosed space remarkably fast.
- Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. A full freezer can keep food safe for roughly 48 hours if left unopened; a half-full one for closer to 24.
- Don’t ignore signs of heat-related illness in pets. Animals can overheat faster than people and can’t regulate their own environment, so keep an eye on them just as closely as you would family members.
After the Power Comes Back On
Once power is restored, give it a few minutes before turning your AC back on, especially if your neighborhood lost power for an extended stretch. This helps avoid contributing to a surge as everyone’s systems kick back on simultaneously. When you do restart your system, listen for anything unusual — a hesitant start, unusual noises, or a system that runs but doesn’t seem to be cooling — since power surges and outages can occasionally affect a system’s electrical components or capacitors.
If your AC won’t restart, is blowing warm air, or is tripping the breaker after an outage, that’s a sign something may need a professional look rather than a reset.
We’re Here When the Heat Doesn’t Let Up
Gem Heating & Air Conditioning offers 24/7 emergency service for residential and commercial customers throughout the Treasure Valley, including weekends and holidays — because heat waves and outages don’t wait for business hours. If your system needs a post-outage check, a tune-up before the next heat spell hits, or you want to talk through backup power options for your home, give us a call at 208-912-6304.
