Since a heat wave is when you need to rely on your air conditioner the most, it can be unpleasant and even dangerous if your machine breaks down at that time. While it’s wise to have an air conditioner company on hand in case you do need to schedule a repair, there are a few immediate steps you can take while you wait for a contractor to arrive. Here’s a guide to what you should do. 

How to Respond When Your AC Fails in Hot Weather

1. Reset the Thermostat

If your air conditioning stops working, the thermostat could have failed and not the system. The programmable devices sometimes lose power, so make sure the screen has information on it, and hit the reset button if it is off. If your whole house lost power, you might need to replace the backup battery. Additionally, check the screen to see if the setting is set to “cool.” It’s possible that someone bumped it and accidentally turned the AC off. To fix this, turn it back to “cool.”

2. Examine the Circuit Breaker

Keeping the air conditioner on high blast could be too much energy for your system to handle, resulting in a tripped circuit. Look at your breaker, and if the switch has been flipped, flip it back, and consider lowering the AC power.

3. Keep Cool

If none of those options work, it’s time to consult with an air conditioner company to troubleshoot the problem as quickly as possible. However, that doesn’t mean you should just wait around—being in extreme heat for an extended period can take a negative toll on your health. Make sure you have a backup cool air solution, whether it’s a window unit or fan. If you don’t have one, or you have high blood pressure or an advanced age, it’s best to temporarily stay with friends or family to reduce the risk of heatstroke. 

If you’re unable to revive your unit, contact Independence Mechanical, a trustworthy air conditioner company in Independence, KY, to request an emergency visit. Available 24 hours a day for urgent air conditioner repairs, the trained professionals will quickly get your air and heating system up and running again. Request a free estimate by calling (859) 756-4099. Learn more about the air conditioner company by visiting their website.