Your Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling! Now What?

Why does it always seem like the air conditioning goes out on the hottest day of the year, not to mention on a weekend or holiday? When it is hot and humid outside, the air conditioner is your only relief, so getting it repaired quickly is a must.

So, what can you do if your air conditioner goes out after hours? Here are some tips to help troubleshoot common issues, and tips for staying cool while waiting for the repairman.

Your Air Conditioning Isn't Cooling—Now What?

When the air conditioner goes it, your first instinct is to call an air conditioning repairman. However, before doing that, do some troubleshooting.

There are some common issues to try that may solve the problem quickly if you feel comfortable with doing so. These include steps you can try at home.

• Reset your thermostat
• Check the air filter and replace it if it's dirty
• Check for and clear any condensation clogging the drain
• Clear any items or debris around the compressor
• Check for dirty coils and clean them

If you've checked all these tasks off the list, and the air conditioner is still not working, it's time to call an air conditioner repair service.

The Repairman Can't Come Right Away—Now What?

It is frustrating when you can't get a repair appointment right away. While some air conditioning repair services offer emergency services, summer hours do get busy and backed up.

Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay cool while you wait.

• If it's a sunny day, close your blinds or curtains or find a way to cover the windows. It's best to have less sun coming through and warming your home.
• Get out your fans and place them in the room with you to cool the air circulating.
• The whole family can benefit from having cool drinks on hand and plenty of ice. Cool water or tea can really help keep you cool and hydrated.
• At dinnertime, don't use the oven or cook on a hot stove. It's best to make sandwiches or salads that don't require cooking and unwanted heat.
• In the evening hours, open your windows to allow the cool air in. After the sun goes down, the air cools, so open the windows and maybe put a fan in the window as well.

Remember, summer is a busy time for any air conditioning repair service, so don't get upset if there is a bit of a wait. And if it's too hot, or you have health problems, maybe visit a family member who has AC so you can stay cool.

If you need help troubleshooting, you can look online. Many repair services have a website with tips to help you as well. 

For more info, contact a local company like Carolina Air Care.