Ensuring your home remains cool and comfortable during an unexpected air conditioning failure can be crucial, especially in the California heat. Whether your AC has stopped working during a summer heatwave or shows signs of severe malfunction, understanding how to manage the situation while waiting for emergency AC repairs can help you and your family stay cool.
Recognizing an AC Emergency
An AC emergency can manifest in several ways. Identifying the below issues early can help prevent further damage to your system and maintain a safe home environment.
Common signs of an AC emergency include:
- No Cooling: your unit is running but blowing warm air.
- Unusual Noises: grinding, buzzing or banging sounds from the AC.
- Leaks: water pooling around or leaking from your unit.
- Electrical Issues: circuit breaker trips or flickering lights when AC is running.
If it is a hot day and you have no AC at all, this would be considered an emergency and you should call our AC repair team as soon as you discover the problem. Overheating in your home can pose significant dangers, especially if you have small children, elderly relatives or pets.
Practical Tips to Keep Your Home Cool
So, your AC system has broken down, and you've called Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar for emergency AC repair service. What do you do while you wait? Below are some temporary measures you can take to manage your indoor temperatures until Valley's AC technicians arrive.
Quick tips for keeping your home cool when your AC breaks down:
- Close blinds and curtains: shield your home from direct sunlight to reduce indoor heat.
- Use fans strategically: ceiling or portable fans can circulate air, creating a cooling effect.
- Apply cold compresses: place cold packs or damp washcloths on pulse points to quickly reduce body heat.
- Limit heat-generating activities: avoid using ovens, stoves or washers, which can generate additional heat.
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water to stay cool and avoid dehydration.
If your home becomes too hot to handle, it is best to leave. If you cannot go to a friend or family member's house, consider spending time in air-conditioned locations like shopping malls, grocery stores or your local library.
Preparing for a Potential AC Replacement
Ideally, our team will be able to fix your AC system. However, in some cases, repair may not be enough. A replacement could be necessary if your system has a catastrophic failure, is outdated or when repairs are unlikely to provide long-term solutions. A little preparation can go a long way in making the AC replacement process smoother, especially if faced with an unexpected replacement.
To prepare for an AC replacement, we encourage you to:
- Assess your needs: determine the size and capacity requirements for a new unit based on your home’s size and cooling needs. The team at Valley can help you with these calculations.
- Consider your budget: research the costs associated with different units to prepare financially. Don't forget to explore all available rebates and tax credits. California and the federal government both offer incentives for new, eco-friendly HVAC installations.
- Consult the experts: Valley's AC technicians can provide recommendations tailored to your home and lifestyle, helping you choose a suitable replacement.
Preventative AC Maintenance
A new AC system, including heat pumps, typically has an expected lifespan of around 15 years (depending on the system you install). Proper care is essential to enjoying this full lifespan and getting the most out of your new system.
Don’t forget to schedule annual maintenance with our professional HVAC technicians. Next, establish your own DIY maintenance routine to keep your AC running smoothly throughout the year.
To avoid future AC emergencies, here are some DIY tasks you can incorporate into your home maintenance routine:
- Change air filters: replace filters every three to four months to maintain airflow and efficiency.
- Clear outdoor unit of debris: R\remove leaves, dirt and branches around the exterior unit to ensure unobstructed airflow.
- Check thermostat settings: occasionally check your thermostat is set to the correct mode, especially if you have a smart thermostat with intuitive scheduling.
- Inspect ductwork: look for any visible wear or leaks that might affect air distribution.
Reach Out to Valley's AC Technicians
For homeowners in the San Jose area, Valley's AC technicians are always ready to assist you during an emergency. Don't hesitate to reach out for professional repair services, system evaluations and professional advice on AC maintenance and replacements. With Valley's support, you can ensure your home remains cool even during the hottest months.
Contact us online today to get started.