There’s a reason why the global HVAC market is worth an estimated $127.4 billion. Heating and cooling in our homes is something that millions of us take for granted.
However, the second that it’s gone things quickly become unbearable. This is especially true if your AC is broken during a summer heatwave. If you’re waiting for someone to come and fix your air conditioning, then you’re probably wondering what you can do to deal with the heat in the meantime.
Luckily, we’ve organized this article on ways you can stay cool without the help of air conditioning. That way, you can survive until the repair person arrives. Let’s get started!
Contact An AC Repair Company As Soon As Your AC Is Broken
The longer your AC is out, the longer your house will be unbearable. As such, you should contact an HVAC repair service as soon as you find out your AC has gone out. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a company that offers 24/7 service, like Armstrong AC Repair. However, some companies might take a couple of days to get out to you.
As such, you’ll need to make do with some of these tips until they arrive. If the problem is minor enough, then you can try fixing it yourself. Just make sure you have repair experience before you try it. Otherwise, you could make it worse or hurt yourself.
Turn On Any Fans In the Room
Circulated air from a fan can significantly cool down a room. While it depends on the speed and size of the fan, most ceiling models can cool the room down by four degrees. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, then you can try purchasing a desktop or floor version. Just get it to a high location and point it down so it circulates a breeze.
Also, make sure you turn off fans when you leave the room. A fan doesn’t cool down the room, it just makes you cooler. As such, it’ll increase your energy bill if you just leave it on.
Take a Cold Shower
Do you feel like you’re overheated and sweaty? The solution is a cold shower or bath. Not only does this feel cool and refreshing when you’re taking it, but it also keeps you comfortable afterward.
It cools down your skin temperature and keeps your hair wet for a few hours afterward. If you don’t have time for a shower, then you can just splash some cold water on your arms, face, or wherever you feel hot. Or, you can wet a towel and wrap it around your neck to get a similar effect as a cold shower.
Use Ice to Cool the Room
Think about what happens when you place ice in a glass and put your hand near it. It radiates a cold temperature off of it. While a glass of ice won’t cool down your room, you can increase the size to take advantage of the cooling effect ice provides.
If you have a lot of ice available, then get a baking sheet or large bowl. Fill it with ice and place it in the center of the room. This should make the hot room a bit more comfortable until help arrives.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
Thick blankets and sheets can make it impossible to sleep on a hot night. As such, you should replace them with more breathable fabrics. Light cotton is typically the best way to go with sheets.
You can also do the same to your clothing during the day. Polyester, which is often used in workout clothes, is a great option since it allows air in and absorbs sweat well.
Stay Hydrated
When you’re dehydrated your body has a tough time regulating its temperature. As such, you should make sure that you’re drinking water throughout the day. Preferably, you should stick to ice water.
Make sure you’re drinking at least sixty-four ounces. Also, avoid sugary beverages. These can just make you more dehydrated.
Avoid Using Appliances That Generate Heat
If an appliance generates heat, then you should try to not use it. This includes things like your oven and stove, as well as your dishwasher and dryer.
Unfortunately, this can sometimes make cooking difficult. To cope you can either try ordering food or cooking a dish that can be cooked and served chilled.
Chilled salad, cheese plates, or cold soups are a great solution. Not only do they cool you down, but you also avoid using hot appliances.
Go to Cooler Places
The last option is to leave your house for a day or two until a repairman can arrive. If you want you can make a day of it. Movie theaters are great during the summer because they’re air-conditioned and you can spend a long time there.
Or you can go to the mall to shop around while being cooked off. If you have any friends nearby, then you can spend time at their home or apartment, assuming it’s air-conditioned.
Or you can just go outside and find some shade. The indoors often traps heat inside. This can make it warmer when you’re inside than outside if your home is properly cooled. As such, just going outside can sometimes bring some relief.
Want More Content? Keep Exploring
We hope this article helped you learn more about ways you can keep cool when your AC is broken. There is nothing worse than a stiflingly hot house in the dead of summer.
This is especially true if you live in an area with year-round hot weather, like Arizona or California. However, as long as you follow the advice in this guide, then you should be able to hold out until help arrives.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
