When you live in a hot southern state like Texas, you have to rely on your HVAC system more than you'd like!
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It is therefore important that you have a game plan in case the HVAC system inevitably fails. You need to make sure that you are prepared for the day when you inevitably fail. Here are some of the things that you should be doing when this happens.
Look for common causes
As with many other appliances, there are a few common causes of problems that you may be able to troubleshoot yourself. Checking for these signs is a must as it can be a simple solution that will quickly bring your system back online and cool your home again. One of the simplest reasons your HVAC system just fails could be that the filter in it is dirty and needs to be replaced. If it gets too dirty and clogged with debris, there is a chance that air will not be able to pass through the system and the system may shut down. Fortunately, changing filters regularly is a preventative step that you can take to make sure this is not possible.
Or it could be so simple that a breaker has tripped in your electrical system. In this case, all you need to do is reset the breaker (although if you are making multiple trips in a short period of time, you should have an electrician check the system).
Call a mechanic
There are several other errors that can occur in your HVAC system. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a professional HVAC repair service provider. The HVAC system can be more complicated than it initially seems, and this can result in your lack of the knowledge or expertise necessary to be able to repair it yourself. Problems such as refrigerant leaks or improperly balanced flaps are beyond your knowledge. When you find a qualified HVAC repair service provider, you can be assured that these repairs will be performed to the correct standard and that any other problems that may be present in the system will be addressed.
Since an HVAC system can be vital in the summer sun, you will often find that many HVAC contractors have emergency services. If your system fails in the middle of a heat wave, you want to be able to get it back asap. They will be able to put it on the right track for you.
Cool down your home
Even with a contractor's promise along the way, you should be working on cooling your home as much as possible. Sitting around with the air conditioning off and nothing else involved will only make you feel extremely uncomfortable waiting for the contractor to arrive. There are several steps you can take to lower the temperature in your home a little. These should be done until the air conditioner is repaired.
The fans should come first. Putting box fans on your windows can be a great way to vent the hot air in the meantime. Make sure the fans are facing outwards as this will help suck in the hot air of the room rather than letting in the potential heat from the outside world. If you have a ceiling fan or fans in your bathroom that aren't plugged in to the HVAC system, now will be the time to turn them on. Make sure they run counterclockwise as this creates a wind chill effect, pushing the warmer air up and the cooler air down.
Pull your blinds – especially if you have white-backed blackout drapes – as these can help deflect the heat of the sun and keep your rooms cool. Avoid using the stove for meals as it will only make your rooms warmer. Finally, make sure that you and your household are adequately hydrated at all times and that you don't overheat while you wait.
Be prepared
An HVAC system just isn't enough. You have to assume that one day it will fail and plan accordingly. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure you are prepared for a potential AC power failure.
Familiarize yourself with your system, be it one that you get when you buy the property or one that you install yourself. This puts you in the best possible position to know what to do when you run into a mistake!
