Imagine losing the cool air in your home on an unexpectedly hot day. Central air conditioning can cool down a moderate, four-bedroom home 10 degrees in about three hours.
When facing an HVAC emergency, do you know what to do? Follow these steps to help you keep your cool.
Try to Troubleshoot Easy-to-Fix Issues
As the AC breaks down and the air warms up in your home, you can try simple fixes to remedy the situation. Here are a few handy steps you can take to see if you can fix your air conditioner quickly.
Check the Power Source
It may seem obvious, but this can happen — check the power cord to make sure it is fully pushed into the outlet. Check other appliances in the same outlet to see if they are working. You should also try resetting your fuse or circuit breaker.
Inspect the Vents
If your home is feeling warm, check your vents for cool air, warm air, or even no air. Be sure to check multiple vents to see the airflow throughout the house.
Look at Your Thermostat
Make sure the thermostat is set at the right temperature and is working. Double-check the batteries to make sure they are working. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, neither will your air conditioner.
Try switching the fan to “on” to see if you hear anything. If the fan comes on, your thermostat is communicating with your air conditioner. If you don’t hear anything, there could be something with your thermostat.
Change the Air Filter
Another area to check is the air filter. If you have not changed your filter recently, you may have a clog preventing your air conditioner from working properly. If the filter is dirty, replace it with a new, clean filter.
Check the Evaporator Coils
Another common issue with air conditioner problems is the evaporator coils icing. This reduces the airflow, and your home will not be as cool as it should. If you see ice on the coils, shut it down and let the ice melt.
Keep Your Cool
If these steps do not work, you should call for emergency HVAC services. As you wait for repair, it’s important to keep you and your family cool.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Take a cool shower if you start to feel too hot. You can also use cool water cloths to take your body temperature down.
Go to the basement if you have one. These rooms are typically cooler.
If you can, go somewhere that is air-conditioned. While you wait, go to the store, go see a movie, or go to a friend’s house. You can pass the time and keep cool.
Avoid an HVAC Emergency
One of the best ways to keep cool is regular maintenance to help you prevent emergency HVAC repair. Having a professional check your unit annually will help catch problems before they become a big issue.
You should also change your filters regularly. Don’t close vents because it can cause more harm than good.
Need Help?
If you need help with your HVAC emergency, contact us today. We can help you get your home comfortable once again! We can also perform regular maintenance services to help you avoid HVAC emergencies.
