Losing your AC during the sweltering summer months can be devastating, and many people don’t know what they should do when that kind of stressful event occurs. Here is a quick look at a few of the steps that you can take to minimize your discomfort and get your air conditioning back into perfect working order.
Find the Source of the Problem
When your air conditioner fails, it can be frustrating trying to figure out the cause. However, with a little investigation, you should be able to find the source of the problem and get your AC up and running again in no time.
Check Your Fuse Box
If your air conditioner won’t turn on, the first thing you should check is your fuse box. If a fuse has blown, that could be the reason why your AC isn’t working. Locate your fuse box and see if any of the fuses have been blown. If they have, replace them with new ones and see if that does the trick. If not, don’t worry—there are other things you can try.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
If your fuse box looks good, the next thing you should check is your thermostat settings. It’s possible that your AC is turned off completely, or that it’s set to “fan only” mode rather than “cooling” mode. Also check to make sure that the temperature setting on your thermostat is low enough for the AC to kick on—if it’s not, adjust it accordingly and see if that does the trick.
Clean or Change Your Air Filter
If neither of those solutions works, there’s a good chance that dirt or debris is clogging up your air filter. This is a common issue—especially if you haven’t changed or cleaned your air filter in a while. To clean your filter, simply remove it from its slot and hold it under running water until all of the dirt and debris has been washed away. If it’s too dirty or damaged to be cleaned, go ahead and replace it with a new one—it’s relatively inexpensive, and it could make all the difference in getting your AC up and running again.
Close Up Your Home
In the summer, the warm air outside can seep into your home, making it uncomfortably hot. To keep your home cool, it’s important to close off any openings that would allow cold air to escape. Start by checking your windows and doors. If there are any gaps or cracks, seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. You should also take a look at your attic and basement, as these areas are often the source of drafts. If possible, add insulation to keep the cold air in. Finally, make sure to keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out the sun’s heat. By taking these steps, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Make Yourself Comfortable
During the summer months, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At these high temperatures, the body is unable to cool itself effectively, which can lead to heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion. If left untreated, heat stroke can be fatal. Young children are especially susceptible to heat stroke because their bodies are not yet able to regulate their temperature as effectively as adults.
If your air conditioner fails and you are unable to get it fixed immediately, there are some things you can do to help keep your family safe. First, try to stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, limit your time in the sun and stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity. And last but not least, never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a quick errand. The inside of a car can reach extremely high temperatures very quickly, putting them at risk for heat stroke.
Contact a Technician
After you have spent a few minutes making your family comfortable, it is then time to call a company like Priority Heating and Air for emergency repairs. Air conditioners are one of the most essential pieces of equipment in hot weather regions. Companies that specialize in air conditioning repairs will have experienced technicians who can quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In addition, they will often have a wide range of replacement parts on hand, which helps to minimize the amount of time that the air conditioner is out of service. As a result, contacting a technician when your air conditioner fails is the best way to ensure that it is up and running again as soon as possible.
When your air conditioner goes out, you must act immediately if you want to avoid long-term issues. That is why it is recommended that you establish a relationship with a reputable HVAC company that offers same-day repairs and other vital services.
