What to Do When Your AC System Breaks Down

Dealing with an emergency AC repair in Poughkeepsie is an inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to spiral into a crisis. Keep your home safe and avoid disaster with some of our emergency AC repair guidance.

If you’re wondering “how much is emergency AC repair?” you can also call the team at Folkes Home Services anytime to get an honest estimate and schedule a fast repair to get your home and peace of mind back on track!

What to Do When Your AC Stops Working

If your AC stops working, don’t panic. Here’s what to do next; remember, you can always call our team for round-the-clock assistance.

1) Assess the Situation

Gather more information about your air conditioner or Poughkeepsie mini split system and see what’s going on. Does it sound strange? Smell off? Did it stop working altogether, or is it blowing hot air? Jot down some notes to share with your HVAC technician. It will help them determine what’s going on and the next steps to diagnose the problem and get to work on a repair or recommended AC replacement.

2) Check the Circuit Breakers

It’s not unusual for a power surge or electrical overload in a home to result in tripped circuit breakers. Check your fuse box and make sure everything is still in order. If your fuse continues to trip, you may have an electrical issue. The culprit could be as simple as dirty filters restricting the airflow and causing the AC to overheat due to a frozen evaporator coil that’s drawing excess power.

3) Change Your Air Filter

A clogged air filter can do more than trip your circuit breaker. It can also cause your AC to stop cooling, blow warm air, or cause your system to break down. If you haven’t replaced your filter recently, contact us or purchase one from your local hardware store.

4) Check Your Thermostat Settings

It’s possible that someone in your household changed your thermostat settings without your knowledge. Check to see that everything is correct and set to your preferences for a.m. or p.m. Go ahead and swap out the batteries, and check to see that the thermostat is actually triggering your AC to come on.

5) Clear Obstructions from Blocked Vents

Take a look around your home. Pushing boxes, furniture, and supplies against vents can obstruct air flow, making it difficult to cool your house. Open up all of your vents and registers and move away objects to see if it improves the cooling conditions of your home. 

6) Turn Off Your AC Unit

If your air conditioner is making strange noises or you can smell something burning, it’s best to turn off your AC right away. Otherwise, you could make the problem worse and further damage your air conditioner.

How to Stay Cool During an Air Conditioning Emergency

After calling the team at Folkes Home Services, make sure you stay safe and cool at home. If you can’t head out to visit friends and family for awhile, here are some ways to find some relief: 

Stay hydrated: Hydration is key when your home is too hot. To stay comfortable, drink plenty of iced water and electrolyte drinks.

Take a cool shower: A nice, cool shower can bring your body temperature down and make your home feel more bearable. 

Use fans: As long as your electricity is still working, a fan will do wonders for your home’s circulation. Turn on your ceiling fans and plug in any portable options.

Check your windows: Close the curtains and blinds to prevent excess sunlight from entering. Not only does it prevent the sun from entering your home, but it also prevents any remaining cool air from escaping.

Avoid cooking indoors: Do whatever you can to keep your home from getting any hotter by avoiding the stove. Instead, fix refrigerated foods or grill outdoors for an impromptu cookout.

Use light bedding: Stay cool at night by using light bedding and sheets. You can also use an ice pack to cool down your skin before falling asleep.

How to Avoid Emergency AC Issues

There are several ways to avoid an emergency AC repair in Poughkeepsie. 

• Schedule regular AC maintenance in Poughkeepsie to keep your system running efficiently.
• Change out your filters every one or three months, depending on how often you use your AC and your manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Keep your AC clean by hosing down the outdoor unit, removing debris, and clearing away objects to maintain proper airflow. 
• Prepare an emergency AC kit with extra air filters, batteries, basic tools, and a flashlight.

Schedule Your Poughkeepsie Air Conditioning Repair Today!

We know an AC emergency can feel like a nightmare, but we’re here to help. If you’re wondering how much does emergency AC repair cost, call the Folkes Home Services team right away to discuss the problem, and we’ll get there as soon as possible to assess the situation and guide you through your options. We handle everything from AC repairs, maintenance, new AC installation in Poughkeepsie, and replacements to keep you cool and comfortable. Schedule your appointment today!