EMERGENCY HOTLINE 1-800-475-1504
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Life in Florida means one thing—air conditioning! It’s an essential part of life, especially during the months of peak summer.
One of the worst things that can happen is an AC unit issue when it is hot outside. Here are six tips on how to cool your home during an air conditioning emergency.
Ceiling fans can be a real lifesaver for lowering and regulating temperatures inside. The trick is to make sure the fins of the fan are spinning counterclockwise. Counterclockwise rotation will pull hot air up, allowing cool air to circulate. The blades will push the air down, creating a cooling breeze. While it’s not as strong as air conditioning, it can help to take the edge off during an emergency.
If possible, rethink your dinner plans. Excess heat from the stove or the oven will only add to the warmer air inside your home. To reduce this, consider using a grill outside or the microwave as much as possible. Other options to try are using a Crock-Pot or slow cooker. These appliances generate less heat, so they won’t make your home any hotter.
Windows bring beautiful light into any space, but can also magnify the sun’s heat. Thermal panel curtains, blinds, and reflective shades are a good choice all year long for helping to reduce heat inside. During an air conditioning emergency, they’re essential to help limit the amount of heat indoors.
While they won’t actually cool the air, they can help circulate it and make your home more comfortable. Be sure to open some windows during cooler times like mornings and evenings, so that the air can circulate properly. If you have more than one fan, you can even create a cross-breeze by placing the fans in opposite corners of the room. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid using fans in direct sunlight, as this can actually make the air warmer.
We all know how important hydration is, especially when it’s hot outside. If the AC isn’t working, temperatures inside can sometimes exceed temperatures outside. Consuming water or electrolyte beverages can help regulate body temperature and prevent heat-related health issues.
Plus, there is no better way to cool down than from the inside out.
Other tips for staying cool during an air conditioning emergency include using ice in combination with the electric fans. To do this, place ice in a bowl (or containers like a cooler). Set the ice in front of the fan for cooler air.
Another tip is to use wet towels. Run cold water over the towel and place it around your shoulders or on your forehead. Of course, you can always plan ways to spend time outside of your home while waiting for repairs too. A day at the beach, shopping, movies, or local park can be a feasible way to avoid sitting in muggy, warm temperatures at home.
Consider taking a lukewarm or cool shower or bath. Cooler water can help regulate body temperature in the event of an air conditioning emergency.
In between cooling down your home, take the time to do some research on AC maintenance for the future.
If you find yourself in an air conditioning emergency this summer, don’t panic! Our experienced team of expert technicians at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric can help get your AC system back up and running as quickly as possible.
Call 1-800-475-1504, for more information or to schedule a service appointment. Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric is fully licensed and insured to provide AC sales, repair, maintenance, and installation. We look forward to helping you keep cool this summer!
