Is a broken air conditioner an emergency?
The Bonaire and Robin Warners, Georgia areas are beautiful parts of the state, but they can endure hot, humid summer weather. And that means when your air conditioning isn’t working, it often requires emergency AC repair service. Keeping that in mind, when exactly do you need to reach out for emergency services?
At what temperature are you experiencing an HVAC emergency?
An HVAC emergency is when the heating and air conditioning system is malfunctioning, or completely quits working when the temperatures are at a dangerous point. What temperature is considered an emergency during the summer? For a residential structure, an outdoor temperature of 90 degrees would be considered a temperature level to request an emergency AC repair service call.
What should you do if your AC breaks at night?
When the air conditioner quits working during the day, calling for an emergency AC repair service won’t cost any more than a normal service visit. However, during the night, when the air conditioning quits working, you can avoid an emergency AC repair service call by keeping cool with these methods:
- The Freezer
No, we don’t mean stand in front of the freezer with the door open until your emergency AC repair service technician arrives. But you can put your bedding in plastic and put it in the freezer before going to bed. This will give you cooled sheets for the night.
- Open Windows
By opening the windows once all the cooled air has dissipated, you’ll have improved air circulation. Be sure to close them and the curtains as the sun starts to rise until your emergency AC repair service is completed.
- Cross-Breeze
Now is the time to get out the portable fans, both tabletop and floor models. Place them in front of open windows and this can create a cross breeze in each room. Putting a bowl full of ice in front of the fans will make the air blowing across cooler too, and along with the ceiling fans, you’ll have a strong wind-chill effect as you wait to call for an emergency AC repair service.
- Limit Appliance Use
Avoid turning on the clothes dryer, cooking stove, or oven while waiting on your emergency AC repair service. This will generate excessive heat, adding to an already uncomfortable situation. Now is the best time to barbeque!
- Keep Low
Remember in science when you learned heat rises? If you have a two-story home, have every sleep down on the lowest level until your emergency AC repair service is completed.
How can I cool my house during the day with a broken air conditioner?
It’s bad if the air conditioning quits working during the middle of the night, but it isn’t any better during the day either. You can follow the same tips we listed above to keep cool along with the following additional tips during the day until your emergency AC repair service technician arrives:
- The Freezer: During the day, wrap wet towels in plastic and place them in the freezer. Using ice packs on your forehead and around your neck will keep your body temperature cool.
- Lighting: Keep the lights and other electronics off during the day if you’re not using them, including computers and television.
- Keep Hydrated: Make sure everyone in the house is hydrated with cold water to keep their body temperature down.
- Light-Colored Clothing: Wearing light-colored clothing will keep your body cooler, just as it does when outside in the sun.
- Cold Baths and Showers: Taking cold baths or showers can lower the body temperature quickly.
What is a good temperature to keep the air conditioner at to lower the energy bill?
Professional HVAC experts, along with the government, recommend setting the air conditioner at 78°F during the summer. This will keep the occupants in the house cool without a strain on the air conditioning system.
Are there any indications the air conditioning system is about to go out?
As a homeowner, you have many responsibilities, including paying attention to the main components, like the air conditioning. To avoid needing emergency AC repair service, when you notice any of these four things, schedule a regular service call immediately. The problem could be addressed and repaired before it becomes an emergency:
- Warm air coming out of the vents.
- You hear banging or clicking sounds.
- A musty odor comes out of the vents with the cooled air.
- The electric bill has increased more than usual.
Keep Your Cool!
With routine maintenance by you and annual check-ups and inspections by a professional HVAC service technician, you will have less chance of needing emergency AC repair services. If you’re having repeated service calls, emergency, or non-emergency, depending on the age of your HVAC system, it may be time to replace the unit. When repairs cost 25% or more than a new unit, it is probably time to purchase a new unit. And remember, if you do find yourself experiencing a need for emergency AC repair in Bonaire, Georgia you can always reach out to our team of professionals. Give us a call at 478-960-5825.