With the sweltering summer heat, a lot of people prefer to keep out of the sun and stay indoors where it’s cooler. Since a dependable air conditioner can cool you down as outside temperatures rise, it’s essential to keep it in good running condition with routine maintenance. But if your unit fails during the warm months, here’s how you can survive while waiting for AC repairs.

How to Keep Cool Before AC Repairs Are Completed 

1. Switch on the Fans

Ceiling, boxed, or stand fans promote airflow and are handy in keeping your home cool. By placing fans near the windows, they can either push out or pull in air. In the summer, adjust your ceiling fans to spin in a counterclockwise direction to effectively move cool air down. Augment this by plugging in fans at lower areas, like floors and tables.   

2. Open Up the House

Cracking open your windows can be tricky, so use your judgment before deciding to do cross ventilation, wherein air circulation is caused by an outside wind. If it’s cooler or breezier outside, open up your windows to let air in; otherwise, keep them closed. Consider opening up your chimney flue to draw out warm, stagnant air from your home.  

3. Draw the Curtains

Windows, especially larger ones, tend to soak up more sun and heat throughout the day. To keep out the intense heat, close your curtains, blinds, and other window treatments during the hottest parts of the day.

4. Avoid Turning on Heat-Generating Appliances

Refrain from heavy cooking indoors using the stove or oven, which can warm up your home. Instead, opt for easy-to-cook meals, make a salad or sandwich, or fire up the grill outside. Turn off unused electronics and avoid leaving the lights on, which can also contribute to heat production. If you have to do your laundry or run the dishwasher, do so later in the day when it’s cooler.  

5. Stay Hydrated

When temperatures run high, make sure that you’re well hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids. Wear light, loose clothing instead of tight-fitting clothes, so that perspiration can evaporate quickly. As you wait for AC repairs, keep an ice pack or cold compress at hand that you can apply to pulse points to lower your body temperature.

Make sure that your HVAC system is ready to take on the summer heat by having it serviced regularly. If it fails before its scheduled tune-up and you need AC repairs fast, turn to the professionals at Air Rescue in O’Fallon, MO. This air conditioning contractor is the most trusted service provider from Saint Louis to Wentzville. To learn more about their 24-hour emergency HVAC repair services, visit them online or call (636) 764-0700.