When the mercury rises outside, your home’s air conditioner has to work double-time to keep your family cool. Extreme heat forces your unit to run longer cycles, which can trigger sudden system failures right when you need cooling the most and create a need for emergency ac repair.
What to Do First in a Summer Cooling Emergency
If your air conditioner gives out in the middle of a July heatwave, don’t panic. Following this quick checklist will keep your home safe, protect your equipment from further damage, and help you get cold air flowing again as quickly as possible.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Make sure your thermostat is set to Cool and Auto.The cheapest and most simple solution is to first double-check that your thermostat didn’t accidentally get changed to “Heat,” or switched from “Auto” to “On.” If the fan setting is set to “On,” your system will blow air continuously, even when the outdoor cooling compressor isn’t running, which feels like warm air coming from the vents.
2. Inspect Your Air Filter
If your filter is dirty, shut the system off immediately and replace the filter. A heavily clogged air filter chokes off airflow to your system. When air can’t move through the system properly, the indoor evaporator coil gets too cold and can actually freeze solid.
3. Take a Look at Your Circuit Breaker
Locate your home’s electrical panel and check the switches labeled for your indoor blower and outdoor compressor. If a breaker has tripped to the “Off” position, flip it back on one time. Your AC uses a massive amount of electricity during a heatwave and this heavy draw can sometimes trip the circuit breaker.
Safety Note: If the breaker trips a second time, do not flip it again. This indicates a serious electrical issue or a failing motor component that requires professional diagnostic tools.
Keeping Safe While Waiting for AC Repair
If you’ve checked the basics and your system is still not working properly,call Tuckers. In the meantime, make it your priority to stay safe and comfortable.
1. Block Out Afternoon Sun
Close all blinds, curtains, or shades, especially on the south and west-facing sides of your house, to block out radiant solar heat. Windows can act like small green houses during the summer.
2. Minimize Indoor Heat and Moisture
Avoid using heat-producing appliances like the oven, stove, clothes dryer, or dishwasher. Additionally, skip hot showers during the hottest parts of the day, since high humidity makes warm air feel more oppressive.
3. Use Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans and portable fans don’t lower the actual temperature of a room, but they do create a wind-chill effect on your skin that makes you feel cooler. Remember to turn fans off when you leave a room––they only cool people, not spaces.
Prevent Future AC Breakdowns with Tuckers’s Help
The best way to handle an air conditioning emergency? Making sure your preventative maintenance is done early. The Tuckers team of Journeymen and Master HVAC technicians can diagnose issues quickly and accurately on our very first visit and help with emergency ac repairs. Call (301) 670-0034 or schedule your service online!