Few things are as frustrating as your air conditioner breaking down on a hot summer day, but if yours happens to… you need to take steps to address the issue ASAP.
Here’s our breakdown of what to do when your HVAC system breaks down on the hottest day of the year.
Steps To Take When Your AC Breaks Down During the Heat
The most important thing to do when your AC breaks down during a heat wave is to stay cool and hydrated. Summers in Oklahoma City can reach over 90 degrees during the hottest part of the day, so you need to find a way to stay comfortable.
Turn On Fans
First, turn on your ceiling, wall and tabletop fans. Running a fan helps circulate cool air and modulates temperature and humidity. One nice cooling hack is to place a bowl of ice near the largest fan so it can blow cold air around the room!
Close Blinds
Did you know that about 70% of the sunlight that hits your windows makes it through in the form of heat? Open windows can significantly increase your home’s interior temperature, which is obviously undesirable when your AC goes out during a scorching day. Cover windows and close your curtains to reduce radiant heat and keep indoor temperatures manageable.
Turn Off Heat Sources
Turn off all unnecessary heat sources as these can generate additional radiant heat. Appliances to turn off include light fixtures, stoves, ovens, and electronic devices like computers or televisions.
Drink Plenty of Cold Water
Beat the heat by keeping your water bottle topped up. Frozen water bottles can also provide relief from high temperatures.
Call an HVAC Technician
Once you are comfortable and hydrated, contact an expert HVAC technician. They can identify and fix your broken AC unit in no time, so you can enjoy a working HVAC again. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get your AC back up and working again.
We Go Above and Beyond
Our team at Above + Beyond is dedicated to providing industry-leading HVAC services in and around Oklahoma City.
If you need guidance on what to do when your HVAC system breaks down, contact us online or give us a call today at (405) 342-0905 to schedule an appointment for HVAC maintenance!
HVAC System Breakdown FAQ
How Often Should I Get HVAC Service?
You should get professional HVAC maintenance at least once every six months to reduce the chance of system breakdowns.
How Long Does It Take To Fix a Broken HVAC?
It depends on the specific issue, but most HVAC repair jobs will take between one and three hours.