What should I do if my AC breaks down in a heat wave?

First check the thermostat settings and circuit breaker -- these resolve many apparent failures. If the system is genuinely broken, call for service immediately if vulnerable people are in the home. Close blinds on west and south windows, use fans, and move to the coolest part of the house while waiting. Consider a window AC unit for a critical room if same-day service is not available.

How long can I safely wait for AC repair in a heat wave?

With healthy adults, a home at 80-85 degrees F is uncomfortable but manageable for a day or two with fans and cool water. Above 85-90 degrees F with vulnerable people (elderly, infants, medically compromised), do not wait -- go to an air-conditioned location. A $100-$200 hotel night is far cheaper than a heat-related medical emergency.

Can I get same-day AC repair in summer?

Many HVAC contractors offer same-day or emergency service in summer. Call as early in the day as possible -- morning calls have a much better chance of same-day scheduling than afternoon calls. Emergency or after-hours service typically costs $75-$150 more than standard rates.

Emergency Guide

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A summer AC failure is stressful and can be dangerous depending on conditions. This guide covers the immediate steps to take, how to assess whether it is a life-safety emergency, and how to make the situation manageable while you wait for repair.

Immediate Steps When AC Stops Working

Check the thermostat and breaker first. Before calling a contractor, confirm the thermostat is set to COOL, check the circuit breaker, and replace the air filter. A surprising percentage of "AC failure" calls are thermostat settings or tripped breakers that take 5 minutes to resolve.
Move to the coolest part of the house. Ground floors and basements stay cooler than upper floors. Close blinds and curtains on south and west-facing windows to block solar heat.
Open windows strategically. If outdoor temperature is lower than indoor temperature (especially at night), open windows to let cooler air in. Close them in the morning before outdoor air heats up.
Use fans. Ceiling fans in counterclockwise direction, box fans in windows -- they do not cool air but they do increase cooling through evaporation from skin. Stay near fans for comfort.
Call for service. If the quick checks did not resolve the problem, call for service. Have your system brand, approximate age, and a description of the symptom ready.

Is This a Life-Safety Emergency?

Call for emergency or same-day service immediately when: outdoor temperatures are above 90 degrees F and rising indoors, elderly people, infants, or people with heat-related medical conditions are in the home, pets cannot be moved to a cooler location, or indoor temperatures have climbed above 85 degrees F.

Alternative if service is not immediately available: go to an air-conditioned space (mall, library, community center, hotel room). Never leave elderly or medically vulnerable people in a home that is overheating while waiting for repair.

Temporary Cooling While Waiting

A window AC unit ($150-$400) can cool a bedroom or main room adequately while waiting for central AC repair
Wet towels on the neck and wrists provide rapid personal cooling
A cool (not cold) shower or bath lowers core body temperature quickly
Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
Drink water frequently -- even without feeling thirsty, heat increases fluid needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my AC breaks down in a heat wave?: First check the thermostat settings and circuit breaker -- these resolve many apparent failures. If the system is genuinely broken, call for service immediately if vulnerable people are in the home. Close blinds on west and south windows, use fans, and move to the coolest part of the house while waiting. Consider a window AC unit for a critical room if same-day service is not available.
How long can I safely wait for AC repair in a heat wave?: With healthy adults, a home at 80-85 degrees F is uncomfortable but manageable for a day or two with fans and cool water. Above 85-90 degrees F with vulnerable people (elderly, infants, medically compromised), do not wait -- go to an air-conditioned location. A $100-$200 hotel night is far cheaper than a heat-related medical emergency.
Can I get same-day AC repair in summer?: Many HVAC contractors offer same-day or emergency service in summer. Call as early in the day as possible -- morning calls have a much better chance of same-day scheduling than afternoon calls. Emergency or after-hours service typically costs $75-$150 more than standard rates.

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