How to Stay Cool with a Broken AC

Jul 1, 2024 | How To, AC, Air Conditioner, Blinds, Broken, Ceiling Fans, Cool, Cool Air, Exterior Doors, Summer, Warm Air, Windows

If your AC is currently acting up and you have already tried to go through some basic troubleshooting steps, but you can quite seem to put your finger on what’s wrong with it, you’ve likely already called an HVAC professional. In the meantime, while you’re waiting for the technician to get here, it’s hot and uncomfortable. So, what can you do to stay somewhat cool?!

The good news is, at Five Star Heating & Cooling Group, we offer 24-hour emergency services! Yes, that’s right! This means that 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we are dedicated to working around the clock to provide exceptional customer service to our customers. So, in the event of an emergency, please know that we will come to your aid as soon as we are able to.

In the meantime, here are some practical tips and solutions to help keep you and your family feeling a bit cooler while waiting for your technician’s arrival!

How to Stay Cool When Your AC Is Broken:

Set Your Ceiling Fans on to Turn Counterclockwise
Close All Your Window Treatments and Blinds
Avoid Opening the Exterior Doors of Your Home
Open Your Windows in the Nighttime
Refrain from Using Heat-inducing Appliances
Create Your Own Temporary “AC”

Set Your Ceiling Fans on to Turn Counterclockwise

In general, ceiling fans are usually already set to a clockwise rotation. This direction is helpful because it sends the air downward, where the cool air can be felt. With this concept in mind, when your air conditioner is broken, it would be wise to actually set your ceiling fans in counterclockwise rotation.

Why is that? Well, by doing so, the counterclockwise direction of the blades will pull up the air in your room, where it can be caught up and dispersed around the room, making it feel a bit cooler. If you don’t know where the switch on your ceiling fan is to change the blade direction, try looking at the base of the ceiling fan. Typically, there is a switch positioned strategically on the base. By pressing this switch, you should be able to successfully change the direction of the blade’s rotation.

Close All Your Window Treatments and Blinds

While sunlight peeping through your home is normally a little refreshing, if you’ve got a malfunctioning air conditioner, sunlight shining straight through your windows isn’t exactly the best idea. You should make it a point to close your blinds or draw your curtains or blinds closed, making sure to do this on every window of your home.

While we are on the topic, it’s also best to close any open windows. We understand the thought of creating a cross-breeze may sound like a good idea, but doing so in the daytime does not do much to keep the warm air OUT of your house.

Avoid Opening the Exterior Doors of Your Home

In the same regard, you should also try to refrain from opening the exterior doors of your home as much as possible. This means any door that leads to the outside (for instance, your front door, back door, basement doors leading outside, or garage door) should not be opened if at all possible. It may seem a bit complicated, but when you avoid opening these doors, it will greatly reduce the chances of unwelcome warm air creeping inside your home.

Open Your Windows in the Nighttime

However, at night, you should be able to open your windows due to the natural decrease in outdoor temps. The cooler evening temps can provide additional relief and keep your home feeling cooler and, thus, more comfortable. Just remember, if you do open your windows at night, make sure to close them again in the morning.

Refrain from Using Heat-inducing Appliances

Next, stay away from using large household heat-inducing appliances, as these will only raise your home’s temperature even more. These appliances include but are not limited to:

Oven
Stove
Dryer
Dishwasher

Create Your Own Temporary “AC”

Now we know that this last suggestion is a little, shall we say, “creative,” but it could be helpful if you are particularly hot. As the saying goes, “Desperate times call for desperate measures!”

Did you know that you can make your own personal “AC” by utilizing two simple materials? Ice and an electric fan are all you need! We know it may sound funny, but it’s true – and can be effective. Simply gather ice in a large bowl or container and place it right in front of an electric fan, then turn the fan on, and you’re done!

This makeshift version of an AC will work because the fan will blow warm air onto the ice, which will in turn cool the air down, resulting in a cool, refreshing breeze that can aid in providing you with that bit of cool relief. With this solution, you kick your feet up and wait for us to do all the hard work!

These tips and solutions can help you stay cool while waiting for your AC to be fixed. Remember, Five Star Heating & Cooling Group is always here for you, and we are dedicated to providing you with the best and most efficient customer service. We have got you covered for all your HVAC needs, so don’t hesitate to call us when you need us!

If you still have yet to book an appointment to get your air conditioner fixed, we’d love the opportunity to service your home! Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Group today at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!