AC Not Working? 10 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat
If you were unlucky enough to wake up and find your AC not working, don’t sweat! Keep calm and follow these tips for beating the summer heat
Summers are getting hotter. Even with our ceiling fans and air conditioners, it can still be a struggle to keep our homes at a comfortable temperature. But when your air conditioner stops working, all bets are off.
Luckily, there are several ways to stay cool without the help of a working air conditioner. That’s better than the alternative of just trying to power through the heat. Especially since, some days, the heat is so oppressive it becomes a health hazard.
So what do you do when you discover your AC not working? Stay cool with these ten ways to beat the summer heat.
- Keep the Lights Low
Beating the heat is as easy as turning your lights off. That’s because even modern lightbulbs release heat as a byproduct.
Enjoy extended summer days and keep those drapes open long into the evening. With an abundance of natural light, you won’t need to keep your lightbulbs running. Not only will you stay cooler, but you’ll also enjoy a smaller electric bill.
- Dress Smart
Tight pants and long-sleeve shirts aren’t a good option in the blistering summer heat. Don’t be afraid to show some skin with tank tops, shorts, and summer dresses. Though if you’re in the sun at all, be sure to use sunscreen!
But it’s not just the style of clothing that matters: it’s also the material. Choose a breathable fiber such as linen or cotton and avoid dark colors since these heat up under direct sunlight.
- Hit the Pool
Air conditioner not working? Well, why not escape the midday heat at home with a lark to the beach or swimming pool?
Water is more effective at absorbing heat than air. In many ways, taking a quick dip will cool you off faster than sitting around in an air-conditioned home all day.
If the pool’s too far away or too great an expense, start a water fight with the garden hose or sprinkler! You’ll cool off the whole family and have a great time doing it.
- Pull out the Grill
When summer is in full swing, it’s time to say goodbye to the oven. Most recipes start at 350 degrees. All that heat slowly dissipates out of the oven, into the kitchen, and through the house.
Trust me: It’s more noticeable than you might think.
If you want to have a great meal, just pull out the grill instead. You’re also safe to use the microwave and even the stovetop since the heat is centralized.
- AC Not Working? Vent the Upstairs
It’s no secret that heat rises. If you live in a home with multiple floors, you can use this to your advantage.
You might be tempted to leave the windows or doors open when you’re out for the day. Don’t. Keep everything locked up.
On your return in the evening, hurry upstairs and open a window. Place a fan in the window, turn it on max, and vent the hot air outside.
Now slide open all the windows on the first floor. A cool evening breeze will blow in as the hot air filters out of the house.
It’s not as effective as an AC, but you’ll notice the difference immediately. Seems like a hassle? You should find professional AC services to get your air conditioner back in working order or consider a new ac installation with a specific hvac zoning system. Visit sites like https://thecomfortdoctors.com/ to hire professionals. Maybe it’s the perfect time to schedule your ac tune up today before the hot weather arrives.
- Place a Wet Sheet by the Window
Don’t knock this strange strategy until you’ve tried it. Wet a sheet or towel until it’s soaked with water. Once it’s stopped dripping, suspend it in front of an open window.
The wet towel will cool the summer heat as it wafts in, as well as provide much-needed moisture. This works best if you have another window open somewhere else in the house, to encourage a breeze.
- Stay Hydrated
Water performs many roles throughout the body. One of those is temperature regulation. Every time you sweat, you lose some of the water that your body needs to stay cool.
When you become dehydrated, you’ll sweat less and have a harder time cooling down. You can instantly feel the cooling effects if you drink ice water or enjoy a frozen treat, such as shaved ice or watermelon.
- Sleep Alone
It might be time to change your sleeping arrangements once summer rolls around. Even during winter, sharing a bed and a blanket can lead to some sweltering nights. But the summer heat will make this even more miserable.
Sprawl out on the living room couch if you have to, or get some use out of the guest room. Either way, find a place to sleep alone so you aren’t trading body heat.
- Take a Cold Shower
Want to know how to beat the heat right away? When the pool is too far, just slip into the shower.
Lukewarm water is your best bet, but if you love hot showers, they’ll work too. When you step out of the shower, the hot water will evaporate like sweat and cool you off.
- Pull the Mattress Downstairs
Summer nights can be just as grueling as the daytime hours. Since heat rises, pull your mattress downstairs to enjoy a cooler temperature. A finished basement will be even more comfortable than the first floor.
Stay Cool Without a Working AC
When you find your AC not working, you need some creative ways to stay cool. Just one of these tips won’t make a massive difference on its own. Try using all of these strategies as a comprehensive approach to beat the summer heat. Consider to use insulation in this way you will minimize the heat transfer in your home. Contact insulation services to see what’s best for your home.
Since summers can be dangerously hot, don’t get left sweating in the summer heat. You should find AC repair services to keep yourself safe. If you need a new air conditioning installation in Ogden, IL, you may consider contacting hvac companies like Castle Home Comfort Heating & Cooling or look up ac repair near me in Lakeway, TX. But these cooling strategies can keep you comfortable in the meantime.