Young woman at home with working fan in hot summer day suffering heat.
Picture this: it’s the middle of summer, the sun is blazing outside, and your air conditioning unit has suddenly stopped working. What do you do next? If you live in a sweltering climate, losing your AC during summertime can be a complete nightmare. But don’t panic just yet! There are creative ways to stay cool without your AC, and we’ll be discussing some tips in this blog post.
Start With the Basics
Turn off your AC unit and check the air filter. A dirty or clogged filter is one of the most common causes of AC breakdowns. It might also be the reason why your AC isn’t working correctly. Replace the filter if it is dirty and try turning on your AC again. If it still doesn’t work, contact an air conditioning repair company and proceed with the next steps.
Utilize Fans
If you don’t have any ceiling or electric fans, now is the perfect time to purchase them. A fan can make a world of difference, especially if you consider its placement. Position your fans near an open window to catch a breeze, try pointing them at a specific angle, or place them to cross-ventilate. If you have a basement, bring your portable fan downstairs. Basements are typically cooler than other parts of your home, and you can use it to your advantage.
Change Your Bedding
Whether you sleep under a comforter or a duvet, summertime means you have to re-think your sleeping situation. If you can’t change your bedding entirely, consider changing to lighter sheets or a throw blanket. And don’t forget to check the material used — cotton is always a good choice for summertime sleeping. Keep a damp washcloth near your bed to dip in cold water and place on your forehead when it gets too hot.
Close the Blinds or Shades
During daylight hours, keep your blinds or shades closed as much as possible. This step might seem counter-intuitive, but keeping the bright sun rays out can make a significant difference in your home’s temperature. Consider adding blackout curtains to prevent sunlight and heat from coming inside. Once the sun has gone down, you can crack your windows to let a refreshing breeze in.
Keep Hydrated and Cool
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to regulate your internal body temperature. Iced drinks such as cold water, teas, and fruit smoothies can undoubtedly help lower your core body temperature. You might also want to consider trying a cold towel on your neck or forehead. Using a spray bottle of cold water to mist your skin can also work wonders to keep you cool in the moment.
Hopefully these tips can help you keep your cool when your AC breaks down in the summer. Remember to check your AC’s filter, purchase fans, change your bedding, close the blinds, and most importantly, stay hydrated. A broken AC unit in the midst of summer isn’t an ideal situation, but it doesn’t mean you can’t fight the heat.
