Summer has arrived, and the heat is on! It’s time to switch on your AC unit and cool off. But what do you do if your AC unit isn’t working correctly or needs repair? We all know how uncomfortable it can be without an AC in summer, but don’t worry. In this article, we will share five smart ways to cool off when your AC unit is acting up. These tips will help you stay comfortable and cool this summer, even if your AC unit is not working correctly.
Use Ice and Fans
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cool off when your AC isn’t functioning properly is to use ice and fans. Place a few large trays of ice in front of an oscillating fan, and the air will be instantly cooled as it passes through the tray. If possible, open all the windows in your home and place fans in each one to help with airflow. This will create an easy cross-breeze that should help cool your home down quickly.
Additionally, make sure that all the curtains are drawn during the day as this will also help keep your house cooler by blocking out the sun’s heat. Finally, you can use frozen bottles of water to keep yourself cool, or even place them around the house in strategic places to help with airflow.
Take Cool Showers or Baths
Taking a cool shower or bath is an excellent way to cool your body down. When the weather is hot, your body temperature rises, and having a quick cool shower or bath can make you feel much better. This is also a great way to reduce your reliance on your AC unit and electricity usage.
When taking a cool bath or shower, it is important to make sure that the temperature of the water is not too cold. Taking too cold of a bath can have an adverse effect and cause your body temperature to drop too low. This can actually make you even more uncomfortable than when you started!
To avoid this, be sure to start with lukewarm water and then gradually reduce the temperature until it’s cool enough for you to enjoy. This will ensure that your body is not shocked by suddenly dropping its temperature too quickly. Additionally, make sure to get out of the bath or shower as soon as you start to feel cooler so you don’t overdo it and cause yourself any discomfort.
Cook Outside
Cooking inside can generate heat and make your home feel hotter. If your AC unit is not working correctly, try cooking outside on a grill or BBQ instead. This will help keep your home cool and reduce the amount of heat generated inside.
Grilling is an excellent way to cook a meal outside without raising the temperature in your home. There are so many delicious dishes that can be made on a grill, from juicy hamburgers and hot dogs to flavorful kebabs and grilled vegetables. Grilled chicken is also great for those who want something a little lighter or healthier. You can even use your grill to make desserts like s’mores or grilled stone fruit. There is no limit to the delicious meals you can create with a good grill and some imagination.
Before you fire up the grill, it is important to make sure that it is in good working order. Check for any gas or propane leaks and clean off any debris on the surface. Additionally, check to see if there are enough charcoal briquettes or propane in your tank, and make sure that the grates are oiled so that your food does not stick. Once you’ve ensured everything is ready to go, fire up the grill and enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about raising the temperature inside.
Close Curtains and Blinds
Direct sunlight can make your home feel hotter. If your AC unit is not working correctly, make sure to keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day. This will block out the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler.
Good curtains for deflecting heat are those made with light-colored, reflective fabrics. A lighter color reflects more of the sun’s rays than a darker one, helping keep your home cooler. Certain materials like cotton, linen, and lightweight synthetic fabrics also have insulating properties that help to keep your home cool. Lined or layered curtains can also be effective in trapping cool air and helping to reduce heat transfer.
Additionally, curtains with thermal backing can provide an extra layer of insulation, while blackout curtains are great for blocking out light and keeping the heat away. By choosing the right type of curtains, you can help keep your home cooler even when your AC isn’t working correctly.
Call in an Expert as Soon as You Can
When your air conditioner is on the fritz and nothing else seems to be working, it’s best to call in an expert as soon as possible. A professional HVAC technician, such as Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, will have the knowledge and experience necessary to properly diagnose the issue and determine what repairs or replacements need to be made. They can also make sure that your unit is running efficiently, helping you save money on your energy bill and prevent future breakdowns.
It’s important to call in an expert as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more expensive any repairs or replacements will be. Plus, waiting too long can even put your health and safety at risk due to excessive heat exposure in your home. Don’t hesitate to call an HVAC professional when your air conditioner isn’t working correctly—they can help you stay cool and comfortable this summer.
In the summertime, air conditioning is crucial in keeping us comfortable and cool. However, if your AC unit is not working correctly, it’s not the end of the world. There are several ways to stay cool and relaxed, even without an AC unit. By following these five smart tips, you can make your home feel more comfortable and reduce your reliance on your AC unit. Remember to always stay hydrated, take breaks when necessary to rest, and follow the suggestions presented here. Stay cool and enjoy the summer!
