As the summer months roll around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about staying cool. Specifically, what to do when your AC unit breaks down in the middle of a hot day. The experience can be frustrating. Although an HVAC technician can arrive as quickly as within one hour, sometimes it can take longer. Whatever your situation might be at the moment, it is always better to be prepared. In this article, we’ll go over ways that can help you stay cool when you’re waiting for the AC repair team service call.
Even though an hour or two doesn’t seem as much, it can feel like an eternity as you sit in your home feeling the effects of 90-degree plus temperatures. You want to make yourself as comfortable and as cool as possible. One of the first things to do is to let your home breathe. This is especially true if there is a mild breeze outside. You can open windows throughout the house to let that breeze into your home. This can cool your home helping you stay comfortable as you wait for an emergency AC repair Austin.
During the summer months, the sun is the biggest enemy. It can literally turn your home into an oven within a matter of minutes, especially if your AC unit is not working. Make sure that you cover your windows with a light blanket, thick curtains or blinds that can help keep the cool air inside your home. If your windows are facing west where the sun sets, it can get really hot in the afternoon. If you want to install something permanent, invest in shades, screens or even awnings to cover your windows.
The most important thing is to stay hydrated if temperatures are heating up indoors. Your health is the number one priority as you try to stay cool. Beverages that replenish electrolytes efficiently are essential as you are waiting for your air conditioning repair. However, water should always be your main source of hydration. Some may prefer bottled water or purified water from a water filter source. Whatever your preference, make sure to keep sufficient water on hand for those hot temps ahead.
Whether you are outside or inside your house, hot temperatures can also come with humid conditions, which can make it feel even hotter. When you have to wait for HVAC services in hot weather, one way to stay cool and comfortable is to wear loose or breathable clothes. This can keep you cool because it will allow air to circulate properly. Make sure that you also switch from dark colored clothes to lighter colors. Even if you go outside for a few minutes, dark colors can quickly absorb heat much faster than lighter colors. This will heat you up quickly.
Cooking inside the house should be the last thing on your mind. If your air conditioner is broken, cooking can increase temperatures very fast, making your home hotter. Ideally, you want to make something simple to eat as you wait for AC repair in Austin. Sandwiches are good alternatives to consider and are easy to make. They do not require any cooking and can be delicious. You can also make quick snacks to tide you over while the AC technician arrives at your home. Peanut butter sandwiches are always good and filling. If you’re not that hungry, consider some cheese and crackers, which are also a big crowd pleaser.
Of course, the main way to keep your house cool if your AC unit is not working is to add fans to your house. Air circulation is vital for keeping temperatures mild and comfortable. You have a wide variety of options when it comes to investing in fans. In addition to having your windows open, fans can optimize the breeze that comes into your home. You have choices from ceiling fans to floor fans and more. What are the differences? Well, ceiling fans work at circulating the air creating a cool draft in a room. Ceiling fans can be set to operate clockwise or counterclockwise. However, during the hot summer season, it is recommended to set your ceiling fans to the counterclockwise setting. Floor fans are also a good complement to your ceiling fans. Although ceiling fans can create those comfortable and cool drafts in a room, a floor fan is portable and can be moved around the room to your preference. You can also aim the floor fan toward a specific direction to cool you off much faster. Because of its portability, it is a convenient alternative for staying cool while you wait for emergency AC repair in Austin.
When it comes to keeping your home cool in the summer, make sure to turn off all the lights that you are not using. Lightbulbs that are not energy efficient and have a high wattage can also contribute to hotter temps in a home. If you do need lights, it is better to opt for energy-efficient light bulbs. These will not emit much heat and can actually save you money.
Rest assured that by following these tips on staying cool while you wait for HVAC services Austin, you’ll be able to stay comfortable. Lastly, as you’re keeping cool in your home without an AC unit, you can make things easier for the technician when they arrive at your home. A couple of things that you can do to make the AC repair Austin experts go much faster can include cleaning in and around the area where the tech will be working. You can clear away any debris like leaves or branches that are near the outside unit. Make sure that the indoor unit is also clear so that the technician can work freely.
