Home ownership is one of the milestones of life. But, it’s expensive, time-consuming, and responsibility-laden. The endless list of chores can seem overwhelming. Inevitably, something is forgotten and something breaks down. It happens to all of us. Unfortunately, your air conditioner usually breaks down at the most inopportune time – right in the middle of summer and on the hottest day of the year. HVAC technicians are busy and you may not get a service appointment for a couple of days. Is it just bad luck? Is your air conditioner out to get you? Of course not. Air conditioners are most likely to stop working when they’re working the hardest – which is when you need them the most! What can you do to keep cool when your air conditioner goes out?
Cool Yourself Down
If your air conditioner stops working, first think of all the ways you can cool yourself down rather than your home. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water. You can put a towel under cold water, wring it out, then wrap it around your neck. Wear it around your neck for a while. If you’d rather put an ice pack around your neck, you’ll probably want to wrap it in a washcloth or towel so it’s not to cold on your skin.
Use Fans in your Charlotte home
Turn on your ceiling fans and place portable fans throughout the house. A nice breeze can go a long way in cooling you off.
Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances
The oven, dryer, and dishwasher create a lot of heat that warms your house every time you use them. Use your grill for cooking or eat foods that are served cold. A cool salad is better than a hot bowl of soup when you’re hot. Instead of using the dryer or dish washer, air dry both your laundry and your dishes.
Keep Out the Sun and Humidity
Close your windows and blinds. Direct sunlight is a great way to heat up your home – which is the last thing you want to do right now. You may be tempted to open windows to let some fresh air in but you’ll also be letting in the humidity. If the nights are cooler and drier, go ahead and open the windows but only at night.
Consider Buying A Portable A/C Unit
If you know you might be without an air conditioner for a while, consider purchasing portable air units. They range in price depending on their size and capabilities. If you’re looking for an inexpensive fix, you could purchase a mini portable air unit that cools your personal space. It may help you get a better night’s sleep.
Regular Maintenance Schedule in Charlotte
Keep to a regular maintenance schedule. It’s the best prevention for costly repairs and unexpected replacements. Your certified HVAC technician at Andersen Heating & Cooling is trained to find the problem before it becomes a problem.
“Trust Your Home to Andersen”
