3 Tips to Stay Cool if Your Air Conditioner Goes Out

August 21, 2017

Do you know what you would do if your air conditioner went out in your Loxley, Alabama, home on a hot summer day? Before you panic, here are a few tips that can help you stay cool while waiting to have your AC repaired.

Close the Windows

The first thing you should do after your air conditioner goes out is close all the windows, including the blinds and curtains. This is where blackout curtains can come in handy. The more light you can block, the less heat comes through, helping you keep rooms as cool as possible.

At night, however, if there’s a nice breeze and the temperature outside is cooler than inside your home, feel free to open a few windows to get some air circulating.

Turn on the Fans

Homes have ceiling fans for a reason, so take advantage of them. Ceiling fans produce a windchill effect on the skin that makes it feel like the temperature in the room is cooler than it actually is. Now would also be the time to break out any box fans. Position them in such a way that they blow directly on you, and consider putting a pan of ice in front of the fan to create super-cool air. Just be sure to turn them off when you leave the room, since there’s no benefit in running the fans when you’re not present.

Hydrate

To keep your body temperature down, drink plenty of cool water. You may be tempted to kick back a few cold ones or enjoy a refreshing glass of soda, but alcohol and caffeine will only make you feel dehydrated when you’re struggling to stay cool. You can also help hydrate your body by jumping in a cool shower, which can help you feel chilled long after stepping back out again.

While these tips are certainly helpful, you can avoid the problem altogether by adhering to your annual HVAC maintenance schedule. Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-476-3610 to schedule your next appointment.