It's the middle of summer, and hot temperatures are keeping your air conditioner running non-stop. Suddenly - almost if on queue - your HVAC stops running. You call your local HVAC repair team, only to find out that their emergency AC repair services will cost you an arm and a leg.
HVAC problems come in all shapes and sizes, and never at a time that is convenient for you. If you're not prepared, an unexpected air conditioner emergency can really put a damper on your summer fun.
So what should you do if you find yourself in need of 24 hour AC repair services?
How to Determine if You Need Emergency AC Repair
Before you bring out the big guns (aka, call for emergency A/C repair service), it's essential to determine if your situation is truly an AC emergency.
There are a few key indicators that you should look for which will help you decide whether or not you need to call for immediate assistance:
- The temperature inside your home is higher than usual and not cooling down, even after your A/C has been running for a while.
- You hear strange or unusual noises coming from your air conditioner unit.
- Water is leaking from your air conditioner unit.
- Your air conditioner unit is blowing hot air when it should be blowing cold air.
There are a few fast fixes that you can try before you call for emergency service, which may help to resolve the issue and get your A/C unit up and running again:
- Check your air filter and replace it if it looks dirty: A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of A/C problems.
- Check your breaker box and reset any tripped breakers: Your air conditioner unit may have caused a circuit breaker to trip, which will prevent it from running properly.
- Check to ensure all your vents are open and unobstructed: Blocked vents can prevent proper airflow, which can lead to A/C problems.
If you've tried these simple troubleshooting steps and your air conditioner unit is still not working properly, then it's time to call for assistance. If you want to wait for regular business hours, there are a few steps you can take to keep you cool:
Tips to Stay Cool in an AC Emergency
Use Fans to Help Circulate the Air
One way to try and cool your home down is by using fans. Fans can help circulate the air and create a cooling effect. If you have more than one fan, set them up in different areas of your home so that the air can circulate evenly.
If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it's spinning in the right direction. ceiling fans have a switch on the motor housing that will change the direction of the blades. The blades should be spinning counter-clockwise in the summer to create a cooling breeze.
Make Use of Cooler Areas in Your Home
During hot weather, the temperature in your home will be warmer near the windows and hotter on the upper levels. So, if possible, make use of cooler areas in your home to help stay comfortable.
When you have an AC emergency, try to stay in your basement or the lowest level of your home during the hottest part of the day. If you don't have a basement, try spending time on the lower level of your home or in an interior room away from the windows.
Stay Hydrated
Even with the AC working, Woodlands, TX summers can get hot. That's why it's important to stay hydrated during hot weather, especially if you'll be spending time outdoors. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can cause you to dehydrate.
If you have young children or elderly family members in your home, check on them frequently to ensure they're staying cool and hydrated.
Don't Cook or Use the Oven
Another way to keep your home from getting too hot is by not cooking or using the oven. When you cook, it adds heat to your home, making it even harder for your air conditioner to cool down your space. If you absolutely need to cook, try and do it outside on the grill, away from your home.
If you need to use the oven, try and do it during the cooler hours of the day, such as the early morning or late evening. And open your windows while you're cooking to help circulate the air and remove some of the heat.
Take a Cold Shower
If you're starting to feel overheated, take a cold shower. This will help decrease your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable. Plus, cold showers can stimulate endorphins which can help improve your mood.
Wear Lightweight and Loose Clothing
To help stay cool, wear lightweight and loose clothing. Natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are good choices as they're breathable and won't trap heat like synthetic fabrics will. If you have to be outside in the heat., try and find clothing that's light in color, as darker colors will absorb more heat.
Use Ice Packs or Cool Towels
If you don't have air conditioning, try using ice packs or cool towels to help lower your body temperature. Place ice packs on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, elbows, and ankles. You can also drape a cool towel over your head or neck.
When You Do Need Emergency Repair…
Sometimes even the best DIY can't keep you cool enough. If you are facing an emergency and need someone to come out to your house right away for repairs, contact The AC Guy - the best 24-hour AC repair team in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX region!
With over 35 years of experience, our team can help with any repair, no matter how big or small. We're even available 24/7 for emergency service, so you can rest assured that we'll be there when you need us most.
Give us a call today at 281-419-8035 to learn more, or schedule a service online! We'll help keep your home in The Woodlands, TX home cool all summer long.
281-419-8035