Heat Wave Survival: What to Do if Your Air Conditioner Breaks Down
When the summer heat peaks and your air conditioner suddenly quits, it’s more than just uncomfortable—it can quickly become dangerous, especially during a heat wave. High temperatures pose serious health risks, particularly to older adults, young children, and those with medical conditions. Knowing how to respond effectively can make a big difference, and at Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to help you stay safe and cool until a repair technician arrives. Here are practical, actionable steps you can take to stay cool and safe, and how we can assist with quick and reliable air conditioning services.
Step 1: Call an HVAC Expert for Emergency Help
The first step to cooling relief is contacting a professional HVAC service to schedule an emergency repair. During a heat wave, you likely won’t be the only one with this problem, so call as soon as possible. Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning has trained technicians on standby during heat waves to assist the Downey, CA, community quickly. By calling us early, we’ll get you in the queue faster, prioritizing service for those in urgent need.
Having our contact info easily accessible or saved in your phone (562-646-1221) will help expedite this process. We understand the critical nature of quick repairs in extreme heat and are committed to providing quality, reliable service.
Step 2: Optimize Your Home’s Cooling Situation
While waiting for repairs, there are simple adjustments you can make around the house to help keep cool air in and hot air out. Start by following these tips:
- Block Direct Sunlight: Close blinds, shades, and curtains, especially on sun-facing windows. This keeps rooms from heating up too much during the day.
- Turn Off Heat-Producing Appliances: Avoid using stoves, ovens, and even high-powered electronic devices. These can add unnecessary heat to your space.
- Close-Off Unused Rooms: Focus on keeping the main areas where you’ll be cool by closing doors to other rooms. This reduces the area that needs cooling.
- Use Fans Strategically: Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate the air, but make sure they’re pushing air downward (usually counterclockwise in summer). If it’s cooler outside, position a fan near a window to draw in cool air at night.
Step 3: Create Your Own DIY Cooling Solutions
While you’re waiting for your AC to get fixed, you can make temporary cooling solutions to help lower the temperature in your space. Here are a few effective methods:
1. Home-Made Evaporative Cooler (DIY Swamp Cooler)
If you have a fan and some ice or a bowl of cold water, you can create a basic evaporative cooler. Place a shallow bowl of ice or cold water in front of a fan. As the fan blows air over the ice, it will cool the air around you temporarily. This trick works best in dry climates, as humidity can reduce its effectiveness.
2. Dampened Sheets and Towels
Moisten lightweight sheets or towels with cold water, wring them out, and drape them over windows or in front of fans. This can create a cooling effect similar to an evaporative cooler, providing a bit of relief from the intense heat.
3. Use a Cool Compress on Pulse Points
To cool yourself down quickly, apply a cool, damp cloth to pulse points, like your wrists, neck, elbows, or ankles. This can help reduce body temperature more effectively and bring instant relief.
4. Cold Water Sprays and Cool Baths
Fill a spray bottle with cold water and mist your face, neck, and arms occasionally. If possible, take a cool bath or shower to help lower your body temperature.
Step 4: Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Health
During extreme heat, hydration is critical. When you’re dehydrated, your body has to work harder to cool down, making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable. To stay hydrated:
- Drink Water Regularly: Sip water throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks, which can dehydrate you further.
- Eat Water-Rich Foods: Fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges contain a high water content, helping to keep you hydrated.
- Wear Light, Breathable Clothing: Light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing allows your skin to breathe and keeps you cool.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Avoid excessive movement or physical activity. Sit and rest in the coolest part of your home to reduce body temperature.
For those at higher risk (seniors, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions), it’s especially crucial to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during peak heat hours. Checking on at-risk family members or neighbors can also ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.
Step 5: Use Public Cooling Centers if Necessary
If the temperature inside your home becomes too high, look into public cooling centers. These are safe, air-conditioned spaces often provided by local government or community organizations to protect residents during heat waves. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can also be good places to find relief from the heat.
Check your local city resources, or give us a call at Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, and we’ll help point you in the right direction if you’re unsure where to go.
How We Ensure Fast and Effective Service at Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
At Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we recognize that losing air conditioning in extreme heat is not just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health risk. Here’s how our team in Downey, CA, is prepared to assist:
- Emergency Service Calls: During heat waves, we increase availability for emergency calls to accommodate urgent repairs.
- Prioritized Scheduling: We prioritize scheduling for clients in immediate need, especially homes with young children, seniors, and those with medical conditions.
- Experienced Technicians: Our team is trained to diagnose and repair a wide range of air conditioning issues, ensuring that repairs are done right the first time.
- Preventative Maintenance Services: Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your air conditioner running efficiently. Ask about our maintenance plans to avoid future issues.
If you experience any signs that your AC may be struggling, such as weak airflow, strange noises, or unusual smells, don’t wait until a complete breakdown. Schedule a maintenance visit early to catch problems before they become emergencies. We’re here to keep you and your family safe and cool, and our skilled technicians are always ready to restore comfort to your home.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Future Air Conditioning Breakdowns
Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your AC system running smoothly, especially during peak summer months. Here are some practices that can help extend the life of your unit:
- Change Filters Regularly: Dirty or clogged filters reduce airflow and strain your system, increasing the risk of breakdowns. Replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
- Schedule Annual Maintenance: Professional maintenance, like checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and inspecting ducts, helps catch potential issues before they turn into costly repairs.
- Clear Debris Around Outdoor Units: Leaves, dirt, and debris can obstruct airflow to your outdoor AC unit, affecting its efficiency. Keep a 2-foot radius around the unit clear for optimal performance.
- Adjust Thermostat Settings: Keep the thermostat at a moderate level to avoid overworking the system. Every degree closer to the outside temperature helps reduce strain on your AC.
Call Us Today for Reliable Air Conditioning Service in Downey, CA
If you’re dealing with a broken air conditioner or want to make sure yours is prepared for the next heat wave, give Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 562-646-1221. Our team is committed to providing exceptional, timely service to residents throughout Downey, CA. From emergency repairs to preventative maintenance, we’re here to keep your home comfortable and safe all year long. Let us help you stay cool, calm, and collected—even in the hottest of weather.
