What to Do When Your AC Breaks Down During a Heatwave
There’s never a good time for your air conditioner to stop working, but a heatwave is probably the worst. As the temperature climbs, your house can start to heat up. While waiting for professional assistance and repairs, there are practical steps you can take to keep yourself and your space from becoming uncomfortable and unsafe. At JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning, in Deptford Township, NJ, we understand the frustration of being stuck in the heat with no relief.
Simple Tricks While You Wait
When your AC fails during a heatwave, a few simple steps can help you stay more comfortable. First, your goal should be to block out the sun. Pulling the shades closed or hanging a sheet over a sunny window can help stop the inside of your house from heating up fast. If you don’t have blackout curtains, even a towel or piece of cardboard can work in a pinch. Try not to open exterior doors too frequently. Each time you do, that hot air sneaks in and accumulates. You want to retain any remaining cool air. At night, if the outside temperature cools down even a little, crack a window and place a fan nearby to pull in the air.
Focus on Hydration
When it’s hot and the AC is off, your body works harder to keep itself cool. That means you sweat more. Sipping water regularly can help your body regulate its temperature and prevent symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or fatigue. Cold drinks work best. Avoid sugary drinks and heavy meals, as they can exacerbate feeling warm and uncomfortable. If you start feeling lightheaded or tired, that’s a sign to drink more. Adding a pinch of salt or an electrolyte packet to your water can also help you hydrate if you’re sweating a lot.
Use Fans the Right Way
Fans can create airflow across your skin to help you feel cooler. If you have a box fan, try placing a bowl of ice water in front of it to create a cooling effect. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer. That pushes air down, which creates a wind-chill effect that helps you stay comfortable. If you only have a few fans, think about where you spend most of your time. You don’t have to cool your whole house. Stick to one or two rooms and set up your fans to keep air moving. Turn off fans when you leave the room.
Skip Activities That Create Heat
Your appliances produce more heat than you realize. This includes things like your oven, stove, and clothes dryer. If your AC is off, try to avoid running these appliances for the time being. Plan meals that don’t require cooking food in the oven or use the microwave, which generates significantly less heat than an oven. A cold sandwich or salad will fill you up without warming the kitchen. If you need to do laundry, hang things to dry. Electronics, such as computers and gaming systems, also generate heat. You don’t need to stop using them completely but turning off what you’re not actively using can help maintain a comfortable interior temperature. Lighting matters too. If your home still uses older incandescent lightbulbs, switch off as many as you can.
Know When Your Home Isn’t Safe
If the heat becomes too intense and your home won’t cool down, it’s okay to make an alternative plan. Head to a library, store, or friend’s home if they have air conditioning. Public cooling centers are often open during extreme weather. At this stage, it’s less about staying comfortable and more about staying safe. Extreme heat can be risky, especially for kids, pets, or seniors. Keep an eye out for signs of fast breathing, flushed skin, or confusion. If you can’t leave your residence, try to stay at the lowest level of your house, as the heat rises.
Keep Cool This Summer
An AC breakdown during extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable. This situation has the potential to interrupt your sleep, your schedule, and your stress levels. We offer fast AC replacement to keep you comfortable and safe. If you need assist with financing, we provide options on approved credit. We also offer other services such as heating repair, ductwork upgrades, and indoor air quality services to help keep your home comfortable and running smoothly year-round.
When the heat is on and your system’s not working, reach out to our team here at JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment for AC replacement in Deptford Township.
