While investing in preventive maintenance can help keep your AC running strong throughout the summer, accidents can still happen. If your cooling system breaks down in the middle of the season, you may find it difficult to beat the heat until professional help arrives. To help you stay as comfortable as possible, here are five practical ways you can keep your home and yourself cool while waiting for air conditioning repair.

How to Stay Cool When Your AC Breaks Down

1. Turn on Fans

Powering up the fans in your house can help produce airflow, which will lower the indoor temperature by a few degrees. When turning on ceiling fans, make sure they’re moving counterclockwise so that the cool air is forced downward. If it’s cooler outside, you might also place portable fans by the window to create a cross-breeze.

2. Hold Off the Heat

Avoid any activities that may generate more heat in your home and add to the problem—such as cooking with the oven or running the dishwasher. If the temperature outside is hotter than it is indoors, you should also make sure all the doors and windows are fully closed—close the curtains or blinds during daylight hours as well.  

3. Stay on the Ground Floor

Since hot air rises, you may find that staying on the upper levels of your home is pretty unpleasant. If you want to be in the coolest area of the home, stay on the ground floor. The difference is often noticeable. 

4. Take a Cool Shower

While you may not be able to produce cold air with your HVAC system, you can still produce cold water in your bathroom. Taking a quick dip in a cold shower can help lower your body temperature for a while, allowing you to feel more comfortable in your home. If that’s not enough to help, consider applying ice packs to your skin for a few minutes at a time or put a wet towel in the freezer so you can drape it around your neck.

5. Go Out

If your home’s unbearably hot, it may be better to get out until the air conditioning repair specialist arrives—just be sure to stay in communication with them so you know exactly when to return. To stay cool, go to the mall or movies, as these establishments tend to crank up the AC in the summer. If that’s not an option, consider going for a swim at a local pool or lake.

If your HVAC system shuts down this summer, turn to Robert L. Shealy Heating & Air Conditioning for comprehensive air conditioning repairs in West Columbia, SC. Knowing how important it is to stay cool, these technicians make it a priority to respond quickly to emergencies. If repairs aren’t possible, this HVAC contractor also offers affordable AC installation to equip your home with a powerful and energy-efficient cooling solution. To learn more about these services, visit the heating and air company online. If you’d like to request service or a free estimate, call (803) 796-1923.