Heatwave season is upon us. As you may have felt, we just had one, but knowing how our summers can go, I’m sure others are in our future. When temperatures climb to 95F and higher, it’s most people’s instinct to head to the thermostat and crank up the AC. Here’s your fair warning, as tempting as it may be, it can lead to HVAC breakdowns when you may need it most. Remember that your outdoor unit is also exposed to extreme heat, and when the system is forced to work even harder, it heats even faster. I’m certain that no one wants to be left without air conditioning during such a time, so take precautions.
Our blog on how to keep your NY and NJ home cool without AC can be of help. There we mention several ways you can lower the temperature for you and your home without using the air conditioner. In this case, they can be used in conjunction with the AC for optimal cooling. Or heaven forbid your AC breaks down, the mentioned tips can become a saving grace.
Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Heatwaves are no joke and can become deadly at prolonged exposures. Signs of overheating can include heat stroke, dehydration, and fatigue. It’s important to keep in mind that symptoms can be more dangerous for the young and old, and people with chronic illnesses.
For yourself, you can take cool showers or apply wet washcloths to your neck and wrists to lower your body temperature. It’s also critically important to stay hydrated. It’s advised to drink water every 30 minutes or so, even if you don’t feel thirsty. When it comes to the wardrobe, ditch synthetics and opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen instead.
If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have a proper way to cool, check with your local authorities. Most states offer cooling centers during heatwaves. These public spaces are air-conditioned and free to use. You can look over what NY has to offer here, and what NJ has to offer here.
How to Keep your HVAC from Overheating
Well, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Everything should start from preventative maintenance. Don’t wait for your system to come crashing down to take care of it. You can always reach out to your local provider, as always Green Ductors will be glad to help those in the NYC and NJ area. You can check out our list of service areas for New York here and for New Jersey here. With that being said, here are a few other points to keep in mind:
Set Your Thermostat Wisely
As much as you may want to set the thermostat to 68F and forget it, it’s important to not overwork the system. Setting the thermostat lower than 72F should really be avoided when experiencing a heatwave. Typically, it’s advised to keep your thermostat around 78F. We know that may be a bit on the hotter side for some, so we will simply say that you should keep it at the highest temperature that’s tolerable for you. Remember, if you plan on being gone, your home doesn’t need to be as cool, and you should consider giving your system a little slack. You can also consider investing in a smart thermostat to better regulate temperatures and reduce the strain on the system as a whole.
Keep Your Unit Clean
Outdoor units should be clean and clear of things like debris, leaves, and so forth. If the unit is blocked, it can overheat and shut down all together, and let’s be honest we wouldn’t want that, especially in the middle of a heatwave. You should give the same care to your outdoor and indoor units alike. On the indoor side, make sure your filters are staying clean, especially if you live in a dusty area (like the Bronx for example). Dirty filters restrict airflow, and if airflow is restricted, your system has to work harder. Be sure to check your filters minimum once a month, if not every 2-3 weeks during these heat spells.
Make Smart Choices
Use reflective shares or blackout curtains to block out sunlight. As simple as it may sound, it can help keep your home several degrees cooler. Also avoid using heat generating appliances, like your oven, stove, dishwasher, or dryer, during peak times. These appliances add extra heat that your system has to keep up with, and in the most trying of temperatures, it’s not the best idea.
What To Do if Your System Gives Out in NY and NJ
If the unthinkable happens, don’t panic. Should your AC break, here’s what you should do:
- Turn Off the System
Cut the AC off altogether, and avoid resetting it if you hear strange noises or sense a burning smell.
- Call for Emergency HVAC Services
A fair share of companies will offer 24/7 service, especially during extreme weather. Should you find yourself in a pickle, you should try the emergency service line.
- Use Fans Wisely
As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, be sure your ceiling fans are working counterclockwise. This way they push down the cold air. You can also place a bowl of ice in front of a movable fan to get AC like cold air.
- Keep Yourself Cool
While you wait for help to arrive, remember to keep cool. As mentioned above, you should drink water regularly, take cool showers, or utilize cold washcloths on places like your neck and or wrists.
Keeping Safe During a Heatwave, Final Thoughts
Extreme temperature is unfortunately becoming the norm in this day and age. New York and New Jersey are especially prone to big shifts and killer heatwaves. With that, it’s important to know what to do in these situations. Remember, be prepared, not scared. Call your friends at Green Ductors (888-334-1612) to take care of your system ahead of time, and brush up on what you should do and where you should go in case an emergency comes about. We hope you found this post helpful, here’s to keeping cool.
