Last updated: 9/16/2023
AC broken? Use these tips from our team of our HVAC professionals to keep your home as cool as possible until it’s repaired..
Strategic Use of Fans
Running a fan is one of the most convenient and effective ways to keep a room cool in summer without AC. The wind chill effect makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler, which can make an 84-degree house feel like a much more bearable 80 degrees.
If you run a ceiling fan, make sure it’s blowing air downward to create a much-needed breeze. Then, remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room to conserve energy. After all, the windchill effect only cools people—it doesn’t actually lower the temperature in the room.
Once the sun goes down, put fans in the windows to draw in cool air from outside. If you have an attic fan, run it at night to funnel air in and cool off your entire house. Remember to close the windows and turn off the attic fan early in the morning to trap the cool air inside.
Cool Yourself Down
In addition to running fans, keep yourself cool by placing a wet towel on your neck. Wearing damp clothes is also very effective. To help you sleep, wash your bedding and place the sheets back on the mattress without drying them first. Also, make sure you stay hydrated since you’re bound to sweat more when the temperature goes up.
Cool the Room with Ice
Pour a glass of water, dump ice cubes into it, and place your hand above the cup. The air feels cooler here, doesn’t it? You can supersize this cooling effect by putting a big block of ice on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish. The cooling effect from the ice helps keep the room more comfortable until your broken air conditioner is fixed.
Reduce Heat Coming in from Outside
South- and west-facing rooms are the trickiest to keep cool. Draw the shades over the windows to reduce heat and sunlight coming in from outside. Thick, dark curtains with a white reflective backing are the most effective for keeping a room cool that faces the sun. If you have a natural cooling home design, there may be trees on the south and west sides to help shade your home in the afternoon.
Reduce Heat Generated Inside the House
When you don’t have an air conditioner to offset the heat, it can become sweltering if you attempt to use the oven, stove, dryer, dishwasher, and other heat-generating appliances. If your air conditioner breaks, prepare food in the microwave and wait until after dark to run the dryer and dishwasher.
Schedule Emergency AC Repair
Is your AC company unable to arrive quickly? Aire Serv is here to help with our emergency HVAC services and AC Repair. We’re like EMTs for your AC. We’re on call 24/7 to offer air conditioning service when you need it most.Schedule an appointment now.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Aire Serv is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Aire Serv location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQs About Keeping Your Home Cool
As an industry leader and a brand that is trusted by homeowners and businesses nationwide for our knowledge and experience, we’re happy to answer your HVAC questions. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about broken air conditioners.
How to cool a room without AC?
Wondering how to stay cool when your AC is broken? Here are some steps you can take to keep your house cool when the AC goes out:
- Maximize airflow: Open windows and doors at opposite ends of the room to create a cross breeze. Use fans strategically to circulate the air; position them to draw cooler air in and push warmer air out.
- Block sunlight: Close blinds, curtains, or shutters during the hottest part of the day to prevent solar heat gain. Consider using blackout curtains for even better insulation.
- Reduce heat sources: Limit the use of heat-generating appliances like ovens and incandescent lights. Opt for cooler meals and energy-efficient lighting.
- Evaporative cooling: Place bowls of ice water in front of a fan to create a cooling mist. You can also hang damp sheets in front of open windows for a similar effect.
- Stay hydrated: While not directly cooling the room, drinking plenty of water helps your body regulate its own temperature.
What to do when your AC goes out?
When your AC suddenly stops working, try some quick troubleshooting first. Check your thermostat settings, ensure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped, and inspect your air filter to see if it's clogged.
If those simple fixes don't work, don't wait! Your safety is important. Schedule emergency air conditioner repair services to get your air conditioning back as soon as possible. In the meantime, take steps to keep your home as cool as possible.
My AC is broken, how can I cool my house down fast?
To cool your house down quickly, create cross-ventilation by opening windows and using fans to push hot air out and pull cooler air in. Focus fans on yourself for a direct cooling effect. Close blinds and curtains to block sunlight immediately.
Consider creating a temporary evaporative cooler by placing bowls of ice water in front of fans. If you have a basement, spend time there, as it's typically cooler. Stay hydrated with cold drinks and take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature quickly. While these are temporary fixes, calling a professional AC repair service for a lasting solution is the best long-term approach.
My AC went out. Can I troubleshoot?
Most HVAC setups allow for basic air conditioner troubleshooting in the event of an outage. Follow these steps:
- Check the thermostat. Ensure it's set to "cool" and the temperature is lower than the room temperature. If it's battery-powered, check the batteries.
- Inspect the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow. Replace the filter if it looks clogged with dust and debris.
- Look at the circuit breaker. Go to your electrical panel and check if the breaker for the AC unit has tripped. Try resetting it.
- Examine the outdoor unit. Make sure the AC unit is clear of any obstructions like plants or debris. Make sure the power switch near the unit is on.
- Check indoor vents. Ensure vents are open and not blocked by furniture or curtains to allow proper air circulation.
If none of these steps work, it's best to call a qualified residential or commercial HVAC service professional for diagnosis and repair.
When should I call a professional if my AC breaks?
Apart from issues that can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, most HVAC problems require professional attention. Call an HVAC service professional if:
- You've checked the thermostat, circuit breaker, and air filter, and the AC still isn't working.
- The circuit breaker for the AC keeps tripping.
- You hear unusual noises coming from the indoor or outdoor unit.
- You notice a burning smell.
- There's visible damage to any part of the AC system.
- You suspect a refrigerant leak (you might notice a hissing sound or ice buildup on the coils).
- You're uncomfortable working with electrical components.
What information will my HVAC service professional need from me?
To help the service professional diagnose the problem efficiently, have the following information ready when you schedule residential or commercial emergency HVAC service:
- Your name, address, and phone number.
- The make and model of your air conditioning unit (usually found on a sticker on the outdoor unit).
- When did the problem start?
- Describe the issue in detail: Is the AC not turning on at all? Is it blowing warm air? Are there any unusual noises or smells?
- What troubleshooting steps have you already taken?
How can I get my air conditioner ready for summer?
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your AC running smoothly and preventing breakdowns when you need it most. Follow these maintenance steps to make sure your equipment stays ready to beat the heat:
- Change air filters regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your unit work harder. Aim for replacement every 1 to 3 months, or more often if you have pets.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. Remove any debris, leaves, or plants growing around the condenser to ensure proper airflow.
- Clean the coils. Periodically clean the outdoor condenser fins and the indoor evaporator coil to improve efficiency. You can gently hose off the condenser fins.
- Check the condensate drain. Ensure the drain line isn't clogged. You can pour a cup of vinegar down the drain line occasionally to help clear loose clogs and prevent mold growth.
- Schedule professional tune-ups. Annual maintenance services can catch small issues before they become major problems. HVAC professionals can check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and overall system performance.
