Summertime highs in Greensboro, North Carolina, typically average in the mid-80s. Although it rarely gets extremely hot in Greensboro, it does get hot enough to make air conditioning essential. If your AC system has stopped running altogether or if it is in desperate need of repairs, you can count on us to show up in a timely fashion. However, while you wait for your HVAC technician to arrive, there are eight things that you can do to keep everyone comfortable and safe.

1. Assess the Risks of Remaining in Place

If your air conditioner malfunctions or fails on a day when the outside temperature is dangerously high, it might not be safe to stay right where you are. This is especially true if there are aging adults in your home along with infants, toddlers, or anyone with a compromised immune system. All these individuals have a higher likelihood of developing heat-related illnesses. If you can, consider planning for vulnerable ones to stay somewhere else until the problem is resolved.

It is also important to consider the vulnerability of household pets. Some animals are less resilient in elevated temperatures than others. If you have a pet that struggles with temperature regulation, see if you can temporarily house your animal with a family member or friend.

For those who need a short-term respite from the heat, there is always the option of visiting the movie theater or the public library. Even a quick trip to the mall or the grocery store will help you to cool down.

2. Break Out the Fans

If you have a few floor fans in storage, set them up right away. During the early morning and evening hours, you can open your windows and use your fans to direct the cooler, outside air into your home. If you have enough fans available, try placing one in every occupied room. If you do not, encourage household members to gather in a communal space. Then, set your fans up so that the entire room has a consistent, cooling breeze.

If you have ceiling fans, it is also important to set them correctly. During winter, ceiling fans should be set to rotate clockwise. This pulls warm air up towards the ceiling. In summer, setting your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise will push cool air down to enhance comfort.

3. Turn Your Stove Off and Dine on Cold Food

Even if you are hankering for a hearty, home-cooked meal, this is hardly the time to prepare it. Turn off your stove and oven and avoid using any other heat-generating appliances. This applies to freestanding slow cookers, toasters, air fryers, and more. In fact, it is even a good idea to turn off as many lights throughout the home as you can. Without these devices adding additional heat to your environment, you will have an easier time keeping everyone safe and cool. When your air conditioner is broken, you can munch on cold cuts, yogurt, raw veggies, or cereal. If hot food is an absolute must, have it delivered.

When shutting down heat-generating appliances, do not forget your gaming computer or any other device that has a built-in fan and grows hot to the touch during operation. Not only will turning these things off keep your living environment cooler, but it will also prevent costly technology from overheating.

4. Make Hydration a Top Priority

Encourage everyone in the home to stay hydrated. Put out a cool pitcher of water or prepare another ice-cold beverage. Keep in mind that when everyone is sweating, water alone will not offset electrolyte loss. You can replace essential minerals by munching on fresh, water-dense foods like melon, pineapple, grapes, celery, or lettuce. It is also a good idea to avoid naturally dehydrating beverages such as coffee, iced tea, soda, and other highly caffeinated drinks.

Do not forget your pets when making hydration a priority. Make sure that their water dishes or water bottles are clean, accessible, and full.

5. Kick Back and Put Your Workouts on Hold

Normalcy can resume as soon as your air conditioner is back up and running. Even if you usually spend your afternoons jogging on your treadmill or cycling on your stationary bike, you will want to put physical activities on hold until you have a reliable way to keep your home cool. This is also true for household chores and any other indoor tasks that get your blood pumping.

Physical movement will make your body temperature rise. More importantly, in exceedingly hot temperatures, it can also increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Give yourself and everyone else in the household permission to kick back and relax.

6. Use Your Windows and Shades Wisely

Absent of a functional air conditioner, your windows and shades are essential parts of your cooling plan. During the hottest portion of the day when the sun is shining directly on your house, close your curtains or blinds to limit solar heat gains. As the sun sets and outside temperatures take a nighttime dive, open your windows and let the cool evening air flow into your home. When paired with your ceiling and floor fans, a gentle cross breeze can quickly clear out any residual heat that the house is still holding.

7. Choose Loose, Lightweight Clothing and Use Your Shower to Cool Off

Loose, lightweight clothing is the best choice for hot days without air conditioning. It is also a good idea to choose clothes that are made with materials that have natural wicking properties. Cotton and linen are breathable fabrics that will lift excess moisture away from your skin while providing excellent ventilation. If you or anyone else gets overheated, try cooling down by standing under a cold shower or relaxing in an ice-cold bath.

8. Turn Your Air Conditioner Off and Keep It Off

If the wait seems unbearable, you may be tempted to turn your air conditioner on and give it another try. Apart from minor troubleshooting steps such as checking your AC filter and changing it out if needed, it is best to leave your cooling equipment alone. Running an air conditioner that is already overheating could turn a minor problem into an outright disaster and the need for AC replacement. Rather than risking a blown motor or a permanently damaged compressor, turn your air conditioner off and keep it that way until the problem has been professionally diagnosed and resolved.

Above all things, make sure that you are regularly checking in on anyone who is decided to sequester themselves in their room. It is easy to get overheated on a sweltering summer day when there is no access to functional air conditioning. Many people develop the symptoms of heat stroke without ever realizing it. If vulnerable ones have not been temporarily relocated, check regularly on their comfort and condition. Additionally, diligently check for changes in the behavior and general well-being of babies, small children, and pets.

We are committed to helping residents of Greensboro, North Carolina stay safe when the outside temperature soars. We provide heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services. We also offer roof replacements and repairs, emergency HVAC services, and preventative maintenance plans. If your air conditioner has stopped working, give Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing a call.

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