Like any appliance, your AC can break down at any moment. A sudden breakdown can be pretty distressing, more so in the middle of summer or during the weekend, on a holiday, or at night. Fortunately, you can arm yourself with these three tips to survive the stressful hours or days as you wait for your AC repair technician to come to your rescue.
Use Portable Fans or Mini AC Units
When your AC fails, portable fans can come in handy as you wait for the assistance of a professional. In this case, you should place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan rotating in a counterclockwise motion to produce a cold breeze. However, you'll need to open windows when using a fan to improve air circulation. But do not forget to close them early in the morning before it gets too hot. Though mini AC units work similar to the central units, they will make your rooms comfortable. In addition, you can wring out wet bed sheets or towels and hang them in front of an open window or on a rack to cool the room if you do not have a fan or a mini AC unit.
Limit the Use of Electronic Appliances
Appliances such as the stove, washing machine, and oven generate heat during operation, making the room hotter. If you have to use any of these appliances, do it later in the day when it is a bit cooler. Also, do not fall into the temptation of opening the freezer to cool down the room. Doing this only wastes energy and doesn't help the situation. But you can fold bedsheets in a ziplock bag and put them in the freezer for a few minutes to cool them before bedtime.
Move to the Basement or Your Friend's Home
The basement is typically the coldest part of the house due to its location. Therefore, you can consider moving there temporarily as you wait for the AC repair services. That way, you will evade the smoldering heat of the summer. But if the basement isn't comfortable either, you can explore other options. For instance, you can go to a friend's house or out to a public place like the library until the technician comes to fix your AC unit.
These tips can go a long way in easing the discomfort of the summer heat. Even so, it's advisable to contact your air conditioning repair company soon after the breakdown. They will schedule the repairs immediately to ensure that your system is running again in no time.