I try to enjoy all seasons and live in the present, but to be frank, I’m ready for fall, and it can’t come soon enough! I’m over this Ohio humidity, and if you prefer a chill breeze over summer heat like me, then you know how crucial it is to have a suitably operating A/C. Accordingly, it is beneficial to know what steps to take if you uncover your malfunctioning air conditioner. So, what do you do when your air conditioner is on the fritz and neglects to do its job appropriately? First off, try not to become overwhelmed by the situation. While an impaired A/C unit can be unsettling, it is our strive at Washington Court House Heating & Cooling to ensure your air conditioning troubles get remedied ASAP. So, there’s no need for any extra stress! However, we want you to know that it will consistently prove worthwhile to understand the actions you may take when facing A/C problems.
What Should I Do If My Power Goes Out?
If your power shuts off during Ohio’s warmest weather, you should know how to control your body temperature, ensuring you don’t overheat while waiting for your power to kick back on. Here are some helpful ideas:
- Limit the sun shining into your household by closing curtains and blinds.
- Keep windows shut for as long as you can. Depending on how long you wait for your electricity to turn back on, you may have to prop them open at some point. Try to preserve the drier air within your home for as long as possible because the sun will warm up your home faster than a draft will cool it.
- Stay hydrated, which is more of a must than an option! When you’re hot, you lose a fair amount of water through sweat, and you must take care to replenish it.
- Remove your socks and shoes.
- Clothe yourself in cotton. Dressing in light material or the thinnest, loosest clothes you own will further help you beat the heat.
- Eat frozen foods. If your electricity is out, your frozen foods are melting within your freezer anyway, so you might as well indulge in a treat or two to cool yourself down.
- Wet a towel or sheet in cold water and position it on your body while you sleep. A cold and damp washcloth is my go-to for a swift cool down, and it’s pretty effective!
- Avoid close contact with one another for long periods. While this may seem insignificant, sharing body heat will not support your efforts to keep cool, so keep that distance when possible.
- Another “weird” yet practical action is to relax on the floor; while not offering a comfy surface, especially when not carpeted, it can be cool to the touch and doesn’t trap heat the way your mattress will. Plus, heat moves upward; thus, the closer you are to the floor, the cooler you’ll be.
- If you cannot beat the heat during the loss of power, you should try other alternatives, such as: going swimming or travelling somewhere with functioning electricity to cool off more effectively.
What Should I Do If My A/C Goes Out?
If your A/C abruptly quits, there are some efforts you can make while you patiently wait on our HVAC pros to save the day. Here are a few tips:
- Assess your ducts for dirt, debris, and blockages restricting adequate airflow.
- Clean up or replace your filter as needed. A dirty filter can cause your utility bills to rise as your A/C functioning falls.
- Look to see if your thermostat is set to the wrong temperature, heating your home instead of cooling it.
- And examine your electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
Ultimately, the takeaway is that you should give us a call so we can not only resolve your A/C problems but can also help prevent any future unwarranted breakdowns. So, call Washington Court House Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-5312, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We are proud of our work restoring comfortable temperatures within homes amongst the hottest temperatures!