What To Do Before AC Repair Tech Arrives

When record breaking heat wave reaches an area, AC repair technicians are usually busy as can be. Either homeowners never turned their cooling system on till that day or the hot weather caused it to become overloaded. On the hottest days of the year, technicians are usually swamped with service calls. Extremely hot temperatures are not only uncomfortable, they can be lethal. This is especially true for people that are ill, very young babies or the elderly. What should an individual do to stay as cool as possible when the air conditioner has gone kaput? 

- Close draperies or shades: If a household will be without AC for a couple of days, they can try the old trick that our forefathers used to use. This is to open up the windows at night after the sun is down in order to let the coolest temps into the home. When daybreak comes, closing the windows and draperies or shades will keep the sun outside and cooler temps inside, at least for a while.

- Fans: Circulating the air within each room with either a ceiling fan or portable one will help. Having air blowing on sweaty faces and bodies is cooling. Have the kids make folded paper fans from construction paper in order to fan themselves and their parents. They can decorate the colored paper before it’s folded which will distract them from how hot they feel.

- Get wet: If a household has a swimming pool in the backyard, this will be a good day to dive in. If there’s work to be done, family members don’t have to stay submerged all day. Just taking a dip, getting out and back to business will be enough to lower body temps. No pool? No problem. Run through the sprinkler; hose each other down with the garden hose; take a cold shower, walk around with a spray bottle full of water and use it. Just get wet somehow. 

- Hydrate: Drink lots of water throughout the day. Getting dehydrated will make matters worse. Drink lots of water and make sure kids, pets and plants get plenty, too. Alcohol and soda actually dehydrate a person, so stick to water or fruit juices. 

- Popsicles: No popsicles in your freezer? This is a good time for a trip to the grocery store. Eating frozen juice pops will keep everyone cooler and hydrated at the same time. Strolling down the frozen food aisle will be a treat, too.
- Go to the mall or the movie: If there’s no AC tech available till the next day, it may be time to go see that double feature at the local movie theater. Sitting in a chilled out venue with a box of popcorn will be a great way to pass the time till the air conditioner is repaired.
When the triple digit weather hits, there are steps to take to be more comfortable until the AC repair tech arrives. No need to get sick or be miserable. Using some creativity will keep all household members safe, sound and comfy.