What to Do When Your Leland, NC Heat Pump Breaks Down

How to get a little relief is the first thought when your Leland, NC heat pump conditioner breaks down. The heat and humidity are not just uncomfortable but can be dangerous for many people. Discover what you should do when your heat pump breaks down to try to keep your cool.

Check the Basics

There’s always a reason why when your AC isn’t working the way you expect. While this may mean you need some kind of professional repair, it could also be an issue you can resolve. Before calling for a repair technician, try checking the basics.

Start by checking your thermostat. Be sure that it has power and that the fan is set to Auto. Then, check your temperature setting and the settings on your thermostat programs, if you’re using them.

Next, check your air filter and make sure that it isn’t clogged. Finally, check that your air conditioner’s circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If those don’t solve the problem, then call for a professional repair and consider the following tips.

Do Not Attempt to Force Your AC to Work

First, do not attempt to force your AC to work. This is often when you try to continue running your AC after you’ve identified there’s a problem. Signs that your air conditioner has a problem you need to solve include:

• Little or no cool air
• Frequent AC cycling
• Failure to start
• High indoor humidity
• Frozen coils or refrigerant lines
• Unusual sounds

If you notice any of these signs, shut your AC off and call for a professional to resolve the issue. Continuing to try to run your AC risks further damage, which could lead to prematurely replacing your unit. Be sure to keep on top of AC maintenance to reduce the risk of many of these common problems.

Turn On Some Fans

While you’re waiting for your repair technician, turn on some fans to help make your space more bearable. Consider turning on both ceiling fans and standalone fans like box or pedestal models.

Fans will not reduce the actual temperature or the humidity in your space. However, air movement causes a cooling effect that some estimates suggest makes the air feel up to 10 degrees cooler.

Guard Against the Sun

It’s common knowledge that sunlight carries heat. Solar heating can cause your AC to strain to keep your house cool on hot and sunny days.

The largest sources of solar heating are your home’s windows. Utilize your shades to keep the sun out, even if it means turning on your interior lights. While you may not prefer this, the lights will produce far less heat than allowing the natural light in. You can also manage your shades so that you close those shades where the sun is directly shining in.

Avoid Creating More Heat

Think about when you’re doing things that will create more heat in your home. Plan for these activities during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or after the sun sets.

These activities include the obvious, such as using your stove or oven, running the dishwasher or doing laundry.

Drink Lots of Fluids

If it’s hot outside, you should consume more fluids than you may otherwise. Heat causes your body to perspire, even if you’re not dripping sweat, which depletes your body’s water.

Water is critical for your body to continue functioning correctly. When you become dehydrated, your cells stop functioning properly, which can affect organ function if it gets bad enough. Further, your body needs water to sweat, which is at the center of its internal cooling system.

Stop suffering through the heat with a broken air conditioner. Call to schedule your AC or heat pump repair with our award-winning technicians at Airmax Heating & Cooling.

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