There’s probably nothing more uncomfortable than being at home when the air-conditioning (AC) unit breaks down. The lack of a cooling system might be bearable in some places, but it can be a hellish experience in humid climates.
You can still do many things to beat the heat when the AC breaks, but you should also pay close attention to rates, especially if you live in hot climates like Arizona or Texas, as electricity rates in Texas can be quite pricey. Check out the following things to try while waiting for the technician to come over:
Get A Fan Or Two
You might already have an electric fan lying around somewhere. If you don’t, it’s best to get one as soon as possible. Just plug one in and turn it on for an instant breeze. It may not be as cold as an AC, but it will suffice while you wait for someone to fix it.
Using fans has benefits, too. They are easier to set up and are known for their portability. Thus, you can put them anywhere you want. They’re perfect additions for small apartments and keeping your pets cool, if you have any. If you already have a ceiling fan installed, you can let it turn counter-clockwise if possible. The opposite direction will allow your fan to suck in hot air, circulating the cool air at the bottom.
Besides, fans are generally cheaper than ACs (the machine itself and the energy costs). If you notice your electricity bills rising during warmer months, consider using fans more often to cool your place down. They’re just as effective, with less negative environmental impact and excellent ventilation.
Cool Yourself Down
One way to feel cooler is to lower your body temperature first. You can do this by soaking some towels in cold water, wringing out the excess, and putting one on the back of your neck. Leave the rest in the fridge to chill or freeze. Once the first one dries up, you can take out another much colder one to swap. Ice packs will also work in this situation. Place it on your pulse points (i.e., your neck, wrist, or inner elbow) for maximum cooling and comfort.
Aside from that, remember to drink water regularly. High temperatures will make you sweat more, so you become more dehydrated. Sweat helps cool down the human body, but you need to replenish that lost water every so often. The general rule is to drink two to three glasses of water every hour and more if you sweat a lot.
Also, while you’re at it, you might consider installing a smart water meter to monitor water usage as well.
Open The Windows
Nighttime is your saving grace when your AC breaks. The absence of sun in the sky means less outside heat coming into your home. Once the moon is up, open your windows to let the evening breeze inside. The open windows will also allow the pent-up warm air from inside your apartment to escape. Don’t forget to close them shut once the sun rises, though.
Yet even if the sun’s up, your window can help cool down your apartment, especially if you have curtains. Draw the curtains or lower the shades to reduce the incoming heat in the morning. Less sunlight entering your home will make a massive difference in the temperature, long enough until your AC gets repaired.
Consider installing an air filter once your AC is up and running again. That open window may have brought pollution to your home and deteriorated the air quality.
Create A Makeshift AC
You don’t need any other tools or equipment for this method. You’re good to go if you have a working fan and some ice cubes.
Start by getting some ice cubes and putting them in a mixing bowl. Next, place the bowl in front of your fan. Lastly, sit back and relax in the cooler breeze. The fan’s warm air will melt the ice cubes, blowing the cooler air from it towards you. It’s a short-term answer for a short-term problem, but it should help lower your apartment’s temperature for a while.
Reduce Generated Heat Inside
Hunger pangs will get to you no matter how cold or warm it is inside. Despite that, you should avoid using the stove or oven when you want to cook something to eat. The heat coming from these appliances will raise the temperature in your apartment. Settle with take-out or microwave meals for now. Likewise, take this opportunity to eat ‘colder’ food like cold-cut sandwiches, fresh fruits, and coleslaw to help you keep cool, too.
Aside from ovens and stoves, try to keep from using your dryer and dishwasher. Save the drying and dishwashing for later when the sun sets. Use other electricity-heavy equipment like desktop computers sparingly within the day until the technician arrives. The fans of these appliances blow cool air into the machine, pushing out the warm air into the room.
Take A Shower
If the previous methods don’t work fast or well enough, there’s nothing wrong with hopping into the shower. This instant relief is more than welcome when the AC goes down, making you uncomfortable. The cold water will lower your body’s temperature almost immediately. Wet your hair and keep it damp even when you step out, so the coolness on your head moves to the rest of your body.
When the temperature rises again, you can get a bucket and fill it with ice water even after your bath. Submerge your feet whenever you feel warm, or go to the sink and splash some water on your face from time to time.
Go Outside
When all else fails to keep you cool, go out for a couple of hours or until sundown. You can stay in your car and turn on the AC or find a cozy place with cooler air. Take a drive around town and stop by a location with AC and free Wi-Fi to pass the time. Public establishments you can visit for the time being include:
- Malls
- Cafés
- Restaurants
- Supermarkets
- Public libraries
See this opportunity as something positive. You may need to do some grocery shopping or check out a new store. However, if you’d rather stay somewhere private and familiar, visit family or friends if they live nearby. Just don’t forget to give them a heads-up beforehand.
Before you drive back home, head to the mall to find an for your bed. No matter how hot your apartment gets, you’ll get a peaceful sleep with this until the technician finally arrives.
Conclusion
An apartment with a broken AC may feel uncomfortable, but it’s not yet the end. You can still keep your cool in several ways that don’t require spending so much money. You may be surprised that some of the things you need may already be in your home. You only need to be resourceful to beat the heat, even temporarily.
