If your AC is currently acting up and you have already tried basic troubleshooting steps but can’t quite pinpoint the issue, you have likely already contacted an HVAC professional. While waiting for the technician to arrive, it’s hot and uncomfortable. So, what can you do to stay somewhat cool?
At Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati, we are dedicated to providing 24-hour emergency services! That’s right! Whether it’s day or night, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. In the event of an emergency, rest assured that our expert team will respond swiftly to assist you.
In the meantime, here are some practical tips and solutions to help keep you and your family cooler while waiting for your technician’s arrival.
How to Stay Cool When Your AC Is Broken:
- Set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise for optimal cooling.
- Close all your window treatments and blinds to keep the heat out.
- Avoid opening the exterior doors of your home to maintain a cool interior.
- Open your windows at night to let in the cool air.
- Refrain from using heat-inducing appliances to keep temperatures down.
- Create your own temporary “AC” for added comfort.
Set Your Ceiling Fans to Turn Counterclockwise for Optimal Cooling
Generally, ceiling fans are set to spin clockwise, which is great for pushing cool air down where you can feel it. But if your AC is on the fritz, it’s a good idea to switch your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise instead.
Why is that? Well, when you do this, the counterclockwise direction of the blades pulls up the air in your room and spreads it around, making it feel a bit cooler. If you don’t know where the switch on your ceiling fan is to change the blade direction, try checking the base of the fan. Usually, there’s a switch there. Just flip it, and you should be able to change the direction of the blades.
Close All Your Window Treatments and Blinds to Keep the Heat Out
While a bit of sunlight in your home can be refreshing, it’s not great if your air conditioner isn’t working. Make sure to close your blinds or curtains on every window to keep the heat out.
Speaking of which, it’s also a good idea to close any open windows. We get it; creating a cross-breeze might seem like a good idea, but doing it during the day doesn’t really keep the warm air out of your house.
Avoid Opening the Exterior Doors of Your Home to Maintain a Cool Interior
Similarly, try to avoid opening your home’s exterior doors as much as possible. That means doors leading outside, like the front door, back door, basement doors, or garage door, should stay closed if you can manage it. It might seem a bit tricky, but keeping these doors shut will really cut down on warm air sneaking into your home.
Open Your Windows at Night to Let in the Cool Air
At night, you can open your windows since the outdoor temps naturally drop. The cooler evening air can help keep your home more comfortable. Just don’t forget to close the windows again in the morning.
Refrain from Using Heat-inducing Appliances to Keep Temperatures Down
Next, try to avoid using big heat-generating appliances around the house since they’ll just make your home even warmer. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Oven
- Stove
- Dryer
- Dishwasher
Create Your Own Temporary “AC” for Added Comfort
We get it; this last suggestion is a bit “out there,” but it could be useful if you’re really hot. As they say, “Desperate times call for desperate measures!”
Did you know you can make your own personal “AC” with just two simple materials? All you need is ice and an electric fan! It might sound funny, but it really works. Just put some ice in a big bowl or container, place it in front of an electric fan, turn on the fan, and voilà!
This DIY AC works because the fan blows warm air onto the ice, cooling it down and giving you a refreshing breeze for some much-needed relief. Just sit back, relax, and let us handle all the heavy lifting!
These tips and solutions can help you stay cool while waiting for your AC to get fixed. Remember, Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati is always here for you, dedicated to giving you the best and most efficient service. We’ve got all your HVAC needs covered, so don’t hesitate to give us a call whenever you need us!
If you haven’t booked an appointment to fix your air conditioner yet, we’d love to help you out! Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati today at (513) 216-5011, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
