Tips for Staying Cool Even When Your AC Breaks Down

Surviving the Sweltering Summer Heat with Air Conditioning Requires Ingenuity

Imagine you’re at the peak of summer, and the weather outside is scorching hot. You head home, eagerly anticipating the refreshment your air conditioning unit provides. Unfortunately, you realize it's broken down as soon as you flip the switch, throwing your peace of mind out the window.  

At Aire Serv® of East Nashville, we’re committed to offering our community a reprieve from the oppressive summer heat! We understand how frustrating it can be when your AC stops working -- and you find yourself stuck in a sweltering home with no end in sight. That’s why we've gathered a few tips to help you stay cool and comfortable while waiting for one of our expert HVAC specialists to rush to repair your air conditioner.

Ways to Temporarily Beat the Summer Heat Without AC

Close & Cover the Windows

Blocking sunlight is one of the easiest ways to keep your home cool during summer. Close your curtains, blinds, or shades whenever the sun shines brightly to block out the heat. You can also hang blackout curtains to prevent sun rays from entering and warming indoor temperatures.

Minimize Humidity with A Dehumidifier

Although a dehumidifier does not directly provide cool air, it helps reduce humidity, making your home exponentially more comfortable in the heat. High humidity levels make it harder for sweat to evaporate, creating a sticky, uncomfortable feeling associated with hot days. Investing in a dehumidifier can ease discomfort, promote air circulation, and make it easier to achieve peace and relaxation.

Wear & Sleep Beneath Breathable Linens

Choosing the right bedding can transform how well you sleep during hot weather. Opting for breathable cotton or linen sheets and clothing will help better regulate your body temperature. Linens are light, soft, and absorbent materials that enhance airflow, wick away sweat, and keep moisture and heat trapped beneath you to a minimum. Consider adding a cotton or silk comforter above your linen sheets as well. This way, you won’t feel completely exposed and vulnerable should the temperature drop degrees in the middle of the night.

Place Cold Washrags on Your Neck or Wrists

Cold or damp cloths provide quick relief when cooling the body down. You can always place them on the nape or back of your neck or wrists to gain maximum benefits. Put them in the freezer for a few minutes before using them to make them even colder. Alternatively, you can use ice packs and enjoy the cooling benefits and a gentle massage.

Upgrade Your Light Bulbs

You can significantly reduce your indoor temperatures by modernizing your lights. Incandescent bulbs can produce a lot of heat, so avoiding them during summer is best. Instead, switch to LED or fluorescent light bulbs as they produce much less heat.

Shut & Insulate Your Doors

Keep your doors closed if you're trying to keep your home cool. Doing so will prevent hot air from flowing into your home. If you have an outside door, insulate it with weatherstripping. This will help keep the air circulating inside your home cooler and reduce the amount of hot air coming in.

Don't Cook with Your Oven

Your oven releases heat when you cook, significantly increasing your home's temperature. We recommend using alternative cooking methods, such as your microwave or a slow cooker, to stay cool. You can also prepare cold meals like salads or sandwiches to avoid cooking.

Place Ice Near Your Fans

Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of your fan if you're looking for a quick and straightforward way to stay cool. The ice will cool the air, and the fan will circulate the coolness throughout the room. Tricks like this can provide immediate relief.

Drink Lots of Fluids & Electrolytes

During hot weather, you will likely lose fluids faster than your body can replenish, leading to dehydration. It is imperative to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks. Always have a refillable water bottle nearby – whether in the office, running errands, or at home. Coconut water and sports drinks with no artificial colors, flavors, or effervescence are wise options for electrolytes, restoring the body's balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Our HVAC Technicians Are on Their Way!

During the summer months, a broken air conditioner can make any home an uncomfortable place to be. Hopefully, these tips will help you and your family stay comfortable and cool as our expert HVAC technicians rush out to your property. Aire Serv® of East Nashville is committed to fast response times and punctuality. We are available 24/7 because we know emergencies can occur at inopportune hours. Our technicians work quickly, efficiently, and intelligently to fix HVAC issues without delay. We will do everything we can to send a specialist to your location and get your air conditioner up and running again promptly!

Need HVAC repairs, replacements, or maintenance? Contact our team online today to request an appointment!