Today’s A/C units are more reliable than ever but let’s face it: Stuff happens and sometimes that includes a broken air conditioner. It’s an unpredictable event, but you can safely assume that loss of cooling in your home won’t occur at a convenient time. Here are some steps to take if bad luck strikes and a broken air conditioner happens at your house.
Do-It-Yourself Options
Getting an A/C that’s down back up again is probably going to require the services of a qualified HVAC service technician. However, you might try a couple of quick things before you call.
- If the unit is totally unresponsive, check your household electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. If you find one, reset the breaker and try the A/C again. If it starts but the breaker trips again, discontinue DIY efforts and call professional help.
- If the A/C starts, then quickly shuts down, obstructed system airflow may be triggering an auto-shutoff function. Check for a dirty, clogged air filter. Replace it and try the system again. Still shutting off too quick? Get your HVAC contractor on the phone.
In The Meantime
While you wait for repairs to bring blessed coolness back into your life, here are some survival strategies.
- Close windows and drapes during daylight hours. Solar energy entering through windows makes a hot house much hotter. As temperatures drop after sunset, open windows and doors.
- Use fans to circulate air. Moving air makes a hot house feel cooler just like the wind chill factor makes a winter day feel colder. Utilize ceiling fans and situate box fans to move air throughout the house.
- Turn out lights. All light bulbs including CFLs and LEDs emit heat. You really don’t need lighting during the day, anyway.
- Dress for the occasion. Wear loose-fitting clothes, short-sleeve shirts and shorts. Light colors are cooler.
- Hydrate. Drink measured amounts of water, sports drinks and other non-alcoholic liquids regularly. Don’t wait until you’re already thirsty to start drinking.
For more about enduring a broken air conditioner and getting it fixed ASAP, contact the cooling professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
