Are you suddenly without air conditioning? Let the HVAC experts at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing come to your rescue by calling 918-262-5245.
Picture the scenario: It’s an extremely hot summer day, and the only way to cope is to stay out of the heat. As fate would have it, suddenly your air conditioner breaks, forcing you to find a quick solution in an emergency.
Unsure of what to do when your AC goes out in the summer? Don’t worry; Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, the top-rated AC repair experts in Tulsa, is here to tell you exactly how to handle this situation.
Perform Basic Troubleshooting
If your air conditioner quits working, the first step is to inspect your AC unit yourself. Check your circuit breaker to see if an electrical issue cut the system’s power. If this doesn’t appear to be the case, you should examine your air filter.
Clogged filters encased in dirt, dust particles, and airborne contaminants restrict airflow to the AC unit. As a result, your system may not be able to produce any cool air, which can leave you with poor indoor air quality. Change the filter and turn on the air conditioner to see if it makes a difference.
If that doesn’t help, go to your outdoor unit, also known as the condenser. Dust, pollen, and debris may impede the system’s function when there’s a buildup on the outdoor unit. Brush away any dirt and debris to keep the condenser clean.
Call a Licensed HVAC Technician
If your air conditioner still doesn’t work after troubleshooting, there is likely a larger problem going on. Call a professional service technician to inspect your system and issue repairs. They understand all the complexities of HVAC systems and can diagnose the issue with yours.
Rather than attempting to fix your AC unit yourself, a professional will perform the correct repairs, saving you time. They can also set you up with regular HVAC maintenance, which will improve the function of your system long-term.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
After calling a repair technician, you might be wondering what to do when the AC goes out in the summer. Extreme heat can be dangerous if you don’t take care of yourself. While you wait for the service technician to arrive, it’s crucial that you keep yourself hydrated.
Your body’s natural way to keep cool is by sweating. If you don’t replenish the water you sweat, you risk dehydration, fainting, and heat stroke. Be sure to drink plenty of cold water and electrolyte-packed sports drinks to keep yourself healthy and refreshed.
Utilize Fans
Standing and ceiling fans are the next best cooling option when your air conditioner fails. Fans circulate the air so rooms feel less stuffy and uncomfortable. You can boost their cooling power by putting a bowl of ice beside a standing fan and letting the blades move cool air as the ice melts.
Avoid Using Hot Appliances
The main thing to do when the AC goes out in summer is to keep your home as cool as possible. Cooking with your oven or running your clothes dryer will send unnecessary heat throughout the space and make it much more uncomfortable for you. Limit your use of heat-producing appliances so you don’t raise your indoor temperature even more.
Be mindful of electronic use as well. Devices like computers and video game consoles have built-in fans to keep them from overheating, but as a result, they blow the heat into your space. Even lights emit heat over time, so turn off any electric devices that aren’t in use.
Block Sunlight
Your home’s indoor temperature can rise even higher when the sun’s powerful rays poke through. Covering your windows during peak sunlight hours will block this extra source of heat and help keep your space as cool as possible. In addition to curtains, you should also close any blinds on your windows for an added layer of protection.
Open Windows at Night
You should keep your windows closed and covered during the day to keep as much cool air as possible locked inside your house. However, once the sun goes down, you can open them for some cooling relief. Lower temperatures and a soft breeze can cool off your home and make you more comfortable for the day ahead.
When you wake up the next morning, your space should feel a bit nicer. Retain that comfort by then closing the windows and covering them yet again to avoid fast heating from the sun as the day goes on.
Stay on the Ground Floor
Hot air rises, so you’re more likely to feel cooler the lower you are to the ground. If your bedroom is on the second floor, consider sleeping on the first floor to ensure maximum comfort. Take advantage of your basement as well, since the temperature there will be even cooler than the first floor.
Use Ice or Cold Compresses
It can be tempting to open up your freezer and stand in front of it to cool down. However, there’s a far better way to feel relief without wasting energy. Wrap ice in a cloth or run cold water over a towel and place it around your neck, wrists, or temples.
These areas tend to have veins closest to the surface. Applying cold pressure on these spots will trigger a response in your circulatory system and cool down the rest of your body. In addition to this tip, you can also shower in cold water to quickly provide relief.
Reach Out to Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing When Your AC Breaks
Now that you know what to do when your AC goes out in the summer, make sure it doesn’t happen again. Let the HVAC professionals at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing perform repairs, inform you of signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced, and much more. Call 918-262-5245 to schedule immediate service with one of our expert technicians today.