AC Repair Professional-Smart Ways to Cool Off

When the temperatures outside rise, most people rely on their air conditioning to keep them cool. What happens when the air conditioner breaks down?

No matter how quickly your AC repair person arrives at your house, properly diagnosing and fixing the problem takes time. Learn what to do to keep your home comfortable when the air conditioner isn't working so that you can stay cool and comfortable at the hottest times of the year.

Hang Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains aren't just good for keeping out light; they're also helpful for keeping out heat. Insulate your home against outside temperatures by hanging blackout curtains in the windows where sunlight is known to enter the house.

For best results, choose blackout curtains that are a light or medium-toned color, and place the white backing toward the window. Keep the curtains shut throughout the day, especially while the sun is shining on that particular part of the house. Overlap the edges of the curtain panels. If possible, hang a valance over the curtains to prevent light from entering in through the space over the window.

Open the Windows at Night

It might be hot during the day, but nighttime in Utah can be quite chilly throughout the summer. As soon as the sun goes down and the air begins to cool, open the windows and allow the cool air to flow inside. Run ceiling fans and window fans if you can. Keep the windows open all night long to lower the temperature in your house as much as possible.

The following morning, when the temperature outside starts to warm up, shut your windows to keep the cool air indoors.

Take Cool Showers

A cool shower is an excellent way to remove sweat, refresh the body, and stay cool. To stay fresh, take cool showers multiple times per day. The best times to take cool showers include after working in the yard, before going to bed, and upon waking up in the morning.

On a related note, some people will watch television at night with a bowl of cool water by their feet. Dipping your feet in cool water can help keep your legs and the lower half of your body a cooler temperature.

Cook Outdoors

Cooking inside can heat up the kitchen and the rest of the house. Even putting on a pot of coffee or tea can unnecessarily heat up the home. Avoid problems by doing all of your cooking outside. Use an outdoor-grade propane stove (like the kind used for camping) or your charcoal grill.

You can also take this time to eat a lot of cool foods like sandwiches, chips, and pasta salad. Foods that don't need to be cooked are often easier to make and take less preparation, which is a blessing when the inside temperatures are hot.

Avoid Opening Doors

Every time you open the door to your home, you let more warm air inside. Avoid opening doors to prevent problems. If you must go outside, try leaving your home through the garage, where a little more warm air won't make as much difference. If you must open the doors to your home, shut the door as soon as possible.

Ban the Use of Hot Things

In addition to the oven, there are many common items that people use around the house that produce heat. Items like blow dryers, dishwashers, curling irons, and laundry dryers all produce heat which can contribute to discomfort in the house.

To keep indoor air cool, limit the use of all appliances that generate heat. Dry your clothes outside on the clothesline. Let your hair dry naturally. Do the dishes by hand. Doing all of these things can help keep the home cool while you're waiting for the air conditioner repair person to arrive.

Don't forget that light bulbs can also produce heat, especially incandescent bulbs. Limit your use of light bulbs in the house, and when you must turn on the lights, use LED bulbs.

Stay Hydrated

Sweating helps you cool off, but it's easy to get dehydrated when you're sweating a lot. Drink liquids, especially water, continuously throughout the day and into the night in order to stay hydrated.

Drinking too much coffee, tea, or soda can cause you to become dehydrated, so limit your use of these beverages.

Contact Your Air Conditioner Repair Person

When your air conditioner breaks down, contact a reputable, trusted air conditioner repair person as soon as possible. The sooner you contact an air conditioner repair professional, the sooner they will be able to fix your air conditioning unit and the sooner you will be able to enjoy cool air in your home once again.

At Comfort Solutions, we're happy to answer any questions you might have about staying cool without your air conditioner. Contact us today to learn more.