The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that common health risks during summer are dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that around 1,300 Americans perish annually from heat-related illnesses, underscoring the importance of staying cool during hot summer days to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. So, it is crucial to take the required steps to prepare your HVAC system for the summer season.
Why Would My Air Conditioner System Stop Working?
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The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your A.C. thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. However, there are instances when summer storms may cause a power outage, leaving your air conditioner off unless you have a backup power source. Additionally, lack of maintenance, overuse, an aging A.C. unit, or an improperly sized cooling system can cause your air conditioner to fail.
To avoid such issues, schedule an annual air conditioner tune-up in the spring before the heat sets in. If your air conditioner breaks down, you and your loved ones may be at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Fortunately, the following tips can help prevent such conditions when your air conditioner malfunctions.
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Ways To Avoid Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke When Your AC. Goes Down
This article outlines several methods for staying cool in case your air conditioner malfunctions during the peak of summer. It is worth noting that scheduling an annual air conditioner tune-up can help prevent many air conditioner breakdowns.
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Contact An HVAC Technician Immediately
If you notice your AC unit is not functioning correctly, your first course of action should be to contact an HVAC contractor immediately. An experienced HVAC contractor will inspect your system and troubleshoot the problem causing the malfunction. Depending on the issue’s nature, your A.C. may be up and running within a few minutes or hours. If the problem is more significant, you may need to wait a few days for the contractor to acquire replacement parts, replace faulty components, or even install a new HVAC system.
It is essential to stay cool without an air conditioner and not forget about your pets. They can also suffer from excessive heat.
Take Cold Showers
One straightforward yet effective way to stay cool during the summer is by taking cold showers throughout the day. This practice helps alleviate your body’s burden of dissipating excess heat from the inside while also providing a refreshing boost on hot days.
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Stay Hydrated
When your body experiences heat, it naturally begins to sweat to cool itself down. However, if the water lost through sweating is not replenished, you can become dehydrated, as researchers at Pennsylvania State University highlighted. Dehydration is a common issue during the summer months. Stay hydrated by having at least eight glasses of water daily, as Harvard Medical School recommends. Adequate hydration will help prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion if your body remains at high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Avoid Using Heat-Generating Gadgets
When attempting to minimize heat in your home, be aware of appliances that generate heat during operation. These devices may include ovens, computers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, stoves, toasters, and dryers. Although these gadgets may be essential during winter or colder days, they are unnecessary for summer, especially when your air conditioner is malfunctioning. Avoid using them for a while to minimize heat buildup in your home.
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Stay Downstairs
During the summer, rooms upstairs tend to be warmer than those downstairs because they are closer to the roof. Warm air rises, making upper rooms hotter than lower ones. To stay cool, spend most of your time downstairs, ideally in the basement.
Dress Appropriately
Despite the common belief that wearing fewer clothes in the summer can help cool your body down, research by National Public Radio has revealed otherwise. Exposing more skin can result in losing more water through evaporation. Always opt for natural cotton or linen clothing regardless of how heavily or lightly you dress. These materials hold sweat close to your body by slowing down evaporation, which helps prevent excessive water loss through sweating. It is best to avoid tight-fitting nylon and polyester clothing, which can increase body heat.
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Open Windows
In the summer, temperatures typically stay high both day and night. However, outdoor temperatures tend to drop significantly at night. To cool your house efficiently, you can use this temperature pattern by strategically opening and closing windows. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommends opening windows at night when outdoor temperatures have dropped and closing them during the day. A single open window, especially on the western side, can heat your entire house in minutes on a hot summer day.
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Block The Sun
If you have a window directly facing the sun, simply closing it won’t be enough to keep your house cool. To prevent sun rays from penetrating your windows and heating your home, consider closing curtains and blinds or covering your windows with tin foil to reflect the light.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner breakdown during summer, contact an HVAC contractor right away. While waiting for the contractor, implementing the suggestions in this article can help you stay cool and avoid heat-related ailments. Schedule regular air conditioner tune-ups to prevent unforeseen A.C. issues and ensure your unit is appropriately sized to avoid overworking and subsequent breakdowns.
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Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Your Air Conditioning Requirements
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning provides top-notch heating and cooling services in the Greater Princeton, NJ area. Our team comprises highly trained and certified technicians who offer outstanding HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. With their extensive knowledge and experience, our technicians can ensure your HVAC system is serviced correctly.
We strive to provide the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the region. Our maintenance services can enhance comfort, increase energy efficiency, and reduce cooling costs. If you need an HVAC repair or replacement, we will recommend the best solution for your home while staying within your budget. We take pride and stand behind all our work with a satisfaction guarantee. To book a service appointment, call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. We also offer free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more! Click the link to view our service area.