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There’s nothing quite like losing your air conditioning in the middle of a southern Appalachian summer. When the temperature rises and your cooling system gives out, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s uncomfortable and, sometimes, even dangerous. At Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, we’ve served homeowners across Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and West Jefferson long enough to know: staying cool matters. So if your AC stops working and you’re waiting on service, here are five tried-and-true methods to help cool your home in the meantime.
At Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, we believe in giving simple proposals, affordable pricing, and 24/7 service on a range of services. We’ve serviced northwestern North Carolina and eastern Tennessee for over 40 years. See a list of services and contact us today: 828.373.3260.
1. Block Out the Heat Early
Start by keeping the heat outside from creeping in. Mountain sun may feel mild at first, but by mid-afternoon, your home can heat up like a greenhouse. Close your blinds or curtains early in the day—especially on south- and west-facing windows. If you have thermal or blackout curtains, use them. They’re not just for sleep; they can cut down the radiant heat coming into your space.
On especially hot days, consider covering windows with temporary reflective film or even hanging a light-colored blanket outside the window to deflect sunlight.
2. Use Fans Strategically
Fans won’t lower the temperature in your home, but they will help your body feel cooler through evaporation and air movement. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in the summer—this pushes cooler air downward. Box fans in windows can help pull in cooler nighttime air or blow out hot air trapped inside.
Want to push things further? Set up a DIY cooling system by placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a floor fan. The breeze picks up the cold vapor and circulates it throughout the room—old-school trick, but it works.
3. Unplug and Power Down Heat Sources
Electronics, appliances, and even some lightbulbs create small amounts of heat that build up over time. Turn off unused lights and electronics. Avoid running the oven, dishwasher, or dryer until the cooler hours of the evening or early morning.
Cooking outside on the grill or opting for cold meals like salads and sandwiches can help reduce your indoor temperature (and your energy bill).
4. Let the Night Air In
Mountain nights cool off fast. Open your windows once the sun goes down and run fans to help flush the warm air out and pull the cool air in. You can even set up a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house and placing fans to direct airflow through.
In Boone, we’re fortunate to have cooler nights compared to lower elevations. Make the most of that mountain air—it’s free and refreshing.
5. Keep Cool with Smart Personal Habits
Sometimes the best way to stay comfortable is to focus on your body’s response to heat. Stay hydrated with cold water. Dress in light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Wet a towel with cold water and lay it over your shoulders, or dip your feet in a cool bath.
If you’re dealing with a few days of no AC, create a “cool zone” in your house—often a basement or shaded lower-level room—and spend more time there.
What to Do While You Wait for Service
Losing AC isn’t just frustrating—it can bring life to a standstill, especially when humidity kicks in. That’s why our team at Mountaineer Heating & Cooling is on-call for emergencies and quick diagnostics. We’ve been serving Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties for over four decades with fast response times and honest solutions.
Here’s what you can count on when you call Mountaineer Heating & Cooling:
- Fair, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Fast service calls, even for systems we didn’t install
- Access to high-efficiency Trane, Mitsubishi, and Bosch products
- Service techs who are local, trained, and committed to solving the issue
- Real solutions for real comfort
We’re not here to oversell. We’re here to get you cool, comfortable, and back to normal as quickly as possible.
When It Comes to Mountain Weather, Timing Is Everything
Summer storms can knock out power, floods can hit low spots, and a broken system in July can mean long days of waiting—unless you’re working with a crew that knows these mountains and has the parts on hand. That’s one reason our maintenance plans are popular with families and businesses throughout the High Country.
Want to avoid AC breakdowns altogether? Spring and summer tune-ups can spot small problems before they become big repairs.
Losing air conditioning is never ideal—but you don’t have to suffer. By blocking heat, using fans wisely, avoiding unnecessary appliances, cooling down at night, and staying hydrated, you can keep your home livable while you wait for help. And when you’re ready for service, Mountaineer Heating & Cooling is just around the corner. Honest work, no gimmicks, just the right fix.
Need us now? Give us a call or stop by our office on Postal Street in Boone. We’re ready when you are.
Check out other blogs:
- Boost Your AC’s Lifespan With These Simple Maintenance Tricks
- Why Your House Never Feels Cool Enough—And How to Fix It
- AC vs. Fans: Which One is Best for Your House Cooling Needs?
- Tired of High Energy Bills? Try These Proven Cooling Hacks
- The AC Maintenance Checklist Every Homeowner Needs
- 5 Proven Ways to Make Your AC Work Smarter, Not Harder