What To Do If Your AC Stops Working During a Heatwave

There’s never a good time for an AC failure, but when the AC stops working during a heatwave? That’s the worst — and depending on how high the temperature climbs and how long it takes for the heat to break, it can even be dangerous. 

Why a Heatwave Can Cause System Failure 

The official definition of a heatwave is a period of abnormally hot weather that lasts for at least two days. The temperature has to rise above the historical average for the date in your area. 

The typical air conditioner can only lower the indoor temperature to about 20 degrees less than the outside temperature; trying to lower the temperature much lower can put excessive strain on the cooling system. Unfortunately, this also means that a heatwave will force the equipment to work harder, which can lead to a system breakdown.

Older or neglected air conditioners can also struggle to keep up with heatwave conditions. Regardless of why your AC stops working during a heatwave, you need to act quickly to get it running again and find ways to stay comfortable in the meantime. 

Troubleshooting an AC Failure 

When your AC stops working during a heatwave, the problem may be minor. For example, if the air conditioning puts more strain on your electrical system, it can trip a breaker switch and cut power to the unit, and all you need to do is turn it back on. 

Other quick fixes to try include:

• Confirming the thermostat is set to cool and the battery didn’t die
• Replacing the air filter, if necessary, is always strongly recommended
• Checking the outside coils for ice and allowing them to thaw if frozen. When this occurs, it’s best to call Forbes as there are likely additional underlying concerns. 

If these tricks don’t work, call an HVAC company for emergency repairs and focus on keeping cool. 

Keep Your Home Comfortable During an AC Failure 

If the air conditioner fails, prevent heat related illness by drinking plenty of water; avoid dehydrating beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, avoid strenuous exercises, and soak your feet in ice water if you’re overheating. 

To keep your home cool, do the following:

• Invest in sun shades or vegetation that will reduce direct sun rays
• Close the curtains or blinds to block the heat from entering your home
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances
• Do NOT turn your AC off when you are out of town or at work. Turning the thermostat up no higher than 85 degrees will allow your home to avoid extreme heat that would otherwise overload your system when it needs to cool the space down again. 
• If your home has hard-to-cool rooms, mini split options may be an answer. 
• Complete a semi-annual HVAC maintenance to provide longevity to your system and catch issues before they arise. 

Arizona heatwaves are a constant in the forecast during our summer months. Take a few preventative steps to keep your home’s most essential systems working. Help your home find shade, set the thermostat a few degrees higher, keep the blinds closed, and avoid creating any excess heat to prevent overstressing the systems.

Above all, don’t forget your semi-annual maintenance!

Call Forbes Refrigeration & HVAC for Maintenance, Service & Emergency Repairs 

If your AC stops working during a heatwave, call or text (480) 266-5211 to reach Forbes Refrigeration & HVAC for emergency repairs. We can also help you explore upgrades and energy efficient replacements for reliable and affordable cooling year-round. 

Now through September, we are offering our customers $500 OFF a new ductless mini-split system, perfect for those hard to heat or cool spaces! Click here to learn more.