If your AC is acting up and you’ve already tried some basic troubleshooting steps but can’t quite figure out what’s wrong, you’ve probably called an HVAC professional already. While you’re waiting for the technician to arrive, it’s hot and uncomfortable. What can you do to stay somewhat cool in the meantime?
The good news is, at Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling, we offer 24-hour emergency services! Yes, that’s right! Whether it’s 7 days a week or 365 days a year, we’re here, ready to provide exceptional customer service whenever you need us. So, if an emergency arises, rest assured, we’ll be there to help as soon as we can.
In the meantime, here are some handy tips and tricks to help keep you and your family feeling a bit cooler while you wait for your technician to arrive!
How to Stay Cool When Your AC Isn’t Working:
- Set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise
- Close your window treatments and blinds
- Try to keep exterior doors closed
- Open your windows at night
- Avoid using heat-inducing appliances
- Create your own temporary “AC”
Set Your Ceiling Fans to Turn Counterclockwise
Generally, ceiling fans are usually set to rotate clockwise, which helps by sending cool air downward where you can feel it. But here’s a friendly tip: if your air conditioner is broken, try setting your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise. It might just make things a bit more comfortable!
Why is that? Well, by doing so, the counterclockwise direction of the blades will pull up the air in your room, allowing it to be caught and dispersed, making it feel a bit cooler. If you’re not sure where the switch on your ceiling fan is to change the blade direction, try looking at the base of the fan. Usually, there’s a switch located there. Just flip this switch, and you should be able to change the direction of the blade’s rotation easily.
Try to Keep Exterior Doors Closed
While a bit of sunlight peeping into your home can be refreshing, it’s not ideal if your air conditioner is acting up. Try closing your blinds or drawing your curtains to keep things cool. Make sure to do this for every window in your home.
While we’re on the topic, it’s a good idea to close any open windows, too. We know creating a cross-breeze might sound appealing, but doing this during the day doesn’t really help keep the warm air out of your house.
Open Your Windows at Night
Similarly, you should also try to avoid opening the exterior doors of your home as much as possible. This means any door that leads outside (like your front door, back door, basement door, or garage door) should stay closed whenever you can manage it. It might seem a bit tricky, but keeping these doors shut will really help keep that unwelcome warm air from sneaking into your home.
Avoid Using Heat-inducing Appliances
At night, you can open your windows to enjoy the natural drop in outdoor temperatures. The cooler evening air can give you some extra relief and keep your home feeling more comfortable. Just remember to close the windows again in the morning.
Refrain from Using Heat-inducing Appliances
Next, try to avoid using large household appliances that generate heat, as they can make your home even warmer. Some examples include:
- Oven
- Stove
- Dryer
- Dishwasher
Create Your Own Temporary “AC”
Now we know this last suggestion is a bit, shall we say, “creative,” but it could be really handy if you’re feeling particularly hot. As the saying goes, “Desperate times call for desperate measures!”
So, without further ado – did you know you can make your own personal “AC” with just two simple materials? All you need is ice and an electric fan! We know it sounds funny, but it really works. Simply gather some ice in a large bowl or container, place it right in front of an electric fan, turn the fan on, and voilà!
This DIY AC works because the fan blows warm air over the ice, cooling it down and giving you a nice, refreshing breeze. It’s a great way to get some cool relief. So, kick your feet up and let us handle the hard work!
These tips and solutions can help you stay cool while waiting for your AC to be fixed. Remember, Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling is always here for you, and we’re dedicated to providing you with the best and most efficient customer service. We’ve got you covered for all your HVAC needs, so don’t hesitate to give us a call when you need us!
If you haven’t booked an appointment to get your air conditioner fixed yet, we’d love the chance to help you out! Call Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1716, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
