What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Working

In many parts of the country, heat, humidity, or a combination of the two can make it very uncomfortable to work, play, or perform any sort of routine activities. This can be especially true during the afternoon hours. Fortunately, most people have access to air conditioning either at work or at home or both. However, it is important that everyone know what to do when your air conditioner isn’t working.

The first thing to do is call a service technician. This individual will come to your location and assess the condition of your unit. He will prepare a report for you detailing what has caused the unit to fail along with recommendations for repairs or replacement. The decision whether to have the unit repaired or replaced will rest with the property owner. Several factors may go into this decision.

The next thing to do is ensure that one stays as cool as possible. This means keeping all doors and windows to the outside closed and avoiding opening them. This will keep the cooler air inside the home from escaping to the outside. It will also keep the hot outside air from coming inside.

Another thing that will help the situation remain bearable until the unit can be restored to functioning is air circulation. Ceiling fans are often useful when the air is working. They will also provide some cooling if the air conditioning has failed. Another option that many people use is box fans or pedestal fans. Regardless of the type of fan used, keeping the air moving will make it feel cooler inside.

Hydration is another key point to keep in mind. Even under the best of conditions, the temperature inside the home will rise. The occupants will begin to perspire as their bodies seek to regulate their internal temperatures. It is very important to consume sufficient quantities of water to replenish the fluids lost through perspiration.

Avoid certain substances such as coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages. This is because caffeine is a diuretic substance, meaning it will cause the kidneys to eliminate more water from the body. This can lead to dehydration and other heat related problems that have the potential to become life-threatening if the temperatures are extreme. This is especially true for the very young or the older population.

If conditions cannot be maintained so the temperature remains bearable, it may become necessary to find another place to stay until the air conditioning can be restored in order to avoid heat-related problems with health. If there is no family nearby or one is unable to go to a hotel for the required amount of time and one is susceptible to issues associated with extreme heat, it would be a good idea to arrange for a neighbor or friend to make periodic welfare checks to ensure one does not succumb to the heat.

If the problem is only going to be a short-term one, it might be a good time to go on a shopping trip. Most businesses have air conditioning in place, and as long as they are open, they will welcome customers. Even if it is going to take longer to get the situation fixed, one can spend the hottest part of the day at a store and return home in the evening when the temperature has dropped.