Riverside Residents in California Share What to Do When Your AC Goes Out

Cool it

The residents of Riverside, CA know how hot the summers can get. This southern California city regularly experiences temperatures in the 90s and 100s in the summertime. This is a great time to have a functioning air conditioner. What if it fails? Make sure to keep your chill before you go into a full-blown panic over your AC going out. You’re not alone, this is a problem that many people experience, especially during the seasons when it’s needed the most. Luckily, there are many solutions to this unfortunate problem.

Here are some things you can do if you find yourself in this hot pickle:

Call around for an AC diagnosis / repair

This is probably the first thing you should do if your air conditioner suddenly goes out. If you try to force the air conditioner back on yourself, you may cause more damage and end up paying more, or even worse, requiring an AC replacement from a wholesale air conditioner home improvement store. You aren’t completely helpless though. There are a few things you can try yourself that likely won’t cause any damage to your air conditioner. If you don’t think you’re savvy enough, there are some solutions to stay cool in the meantime.

Check the power

While you’re waiting, it would be wise to check the thermostat and circuit breakers for your air conditioner. If the temperature is malfunctioning on the thermostat, the air conditioner will not kick on. One simple way to possibly resolve this problem is by turning the thermostat off, and then back on. If this does nothing, you can check to make sure the air conditioner is plugged in tightly, and then head to the breaker box to check if the circuit for the air conditioner has been tripped. Simply switch it back on if this is the case. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to sit tight for the repairman.

Fan off in the meantime

If you plan on staying inside your home while waiting for the air conditioner to come back on, now is a good time to use your ceiling fan or upright fan to keep yourself cool. Keep the doors to your rooms open to keep any one from having too much stagnant air. If it’s not too humid outside, consider cracking your windows open to let some fresh air flow in.

Dress light

While you’re at it, dress in light, loose-fitting, cotton clothing. The breathability will allow you to stay cool during the hottest of days.

Go out

If it’s simply unbearable to stay in your home when the air conditioner is out, consider taking an air-conditioned drive in your car up to the Galleria at Tyler or the Canyon Crest Towne Centre to enjoy some of their cool air.