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When it’s hot, humid, and sticky outside, the last thing you want to think about is the air conditioning in your home. Unfortunately, no matter how much we hope for cooler temperatures, summer will not go away until September. When your A/C breaks down, things can get uncomfortable fast. If your home has become an unbearable sauna or cave of frost, read on to learn what you can do when your AC isn’t working. Suppose your air conditioner isn’t working properly and you don’t have access to professional assistance right now (or simply don’t want to pay the high cost of repairs). In that case, there are some things that you can do in order to keep your home cool as much as possible until you can repair or replace it.
Check the filters and change them if needed
One of the most common problems that occur with an A/C unit is that the filters become clogged or packed with too much dirt and dust. If you notice that your AC is blowing out much warmer air than usual, or that it’s not blowing out air at all, check the filters for clogs and change them if needed. Filters help to catch and prevent debris from getting sucked into the A/C unit. When they become clogged, they need to be changed, otherwise they will cause your AC to break down. If you have animals in the home or very dusty or humid weather, you’ll likely need to change the filters more often. You may also want to consider investing in washable filters. These are generally cheaper in the long run since you don’t have to replace them as often.
Open windows for cross-ventilation
If your AC unit is completely broken down, old and needs to be replaced, or if you just don’t have enough money to fix it at the moment, try cross-ventilating your home. Open up the windows on the opposite side of the home from where you need the A/C to be blowing from. The cool air will be sucked into the open windows and pass through the house before being sucked out the opposite open windows. Keep in mind that cross-ventilating your home will not remove humidity. If you have plants that are wilting, you have a humidifier that isn’t working properly, or you have doors and windows that are extremely damp, you’ll want to use a dehumidifier in addition to cross-ventilating. You should also make sure to get professional help for air conditioner repair in Houston.
Use a big, fluffy towel or shawl
If your AC completely broke down or if you don’t have access to a working one, you can use a big, fluffy towel or shawl to cool yourself off. This method works well if you have a high fever and want to cool off your body temperature or if it’s very humid outside and you just want to be comfortable. Place the towel or shawl in the refrigerator for approximately half an hour. You can then put the cold towel or shawl on your head and neck, or drape it over your shoulders and wrap it around your waist. A cold towel will help to bring down your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable. It will also help to reduce a fever by cooling off your body and helping it to fight the infection.
Conclusion
If your AC isn’t working and you don’t have the money to repair it or replace it, you should try to make the most of the situation. You can stay cool by cross-ventilating your home, using ceiling fans, opening windows, using a cold towel, or turning on your stove. Remember that you can’t eliminate the need for A/C, though. It is a necessity. You also can’t eliminate the need for proper indoor humidity levels. When things get too humid, they can get dangerous. Always be safe and smart without an A/C and remember that things will get better soon.
