What You Should and Shouldn’t Do If You Have a Broken A/C [5 Tips]

August 23, 2023

The worst day of summer is when a broken A/C leaves you sweating and uncomfortable. At that point, most homeowners will do anything to keep their home cool while they wait for the technician to arrive.

However, knowing what to do when the A/C is broken is crucial, as many homeowners unknowingly make the problem worse by doing things they shouldn’t. Whether opening all the windows or trying quick DIY fixes, taking certain actions can cause more harm than good.

Reach out to Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter at 913-227-4943 or schedule service online to get your A/C back in working order fast.

In the meantime, we’ll cover things you shouldn’t do when the air conditioner breaks down, ways to keep your home cool, what you should do while awaiting your Hamilton technician, and more.

Don’t Open the Windows

Opening the windows for some relief might seem like a good idea, but doing so can make things worse. You might catch a breeze or two, but you’ll end up letting in more heat, causing the indoor temperature to rise.

Instead, keep the windows, doors, blinds, and drapes closed to trap any remaining cool air inside and prevent the sun from heating your home. If you have a portable A/C unit or fans, use them as temporary cooling solutions until your broken A/C system is fixed.

Don’t Stay Home

What’s worse than a broken A/C in the middle of summer? Staying home and suffering in the sweltering heat. Rather than wait and endure the discomfort, take advantage of the situation and leave the house.

While you wait for the technician to show up and fix the A/C, take the kids to the park or local swimming pool. Grab lunch, visit friends—anything to get out of the house. Doing so will help you escape the heat and prevent you from making hasty decisions like tinkering with the cooling unit yourself.

Don’t Use Heat-Generating Devices

When your broken A/C can’t cool down your home, the last thing you want to do is add more heat. Avoid using any heat-generating appliances like the stove or oven. Cooking or baking will only raise the indoor temperature.

Instead, consider grilling outside or going out to your favorite restaurant. Also, turn off lights and unplug electronics that may raise the indoor temperature.

Don’t Open Your Freezer

Opening the freezer door might seem clever when you’re desperate for relief from the heat, but it’s not a great idea. While you may feel a brief burst of cold air, the freezer was not designed to cool your home. Leaving the door open will only cause your freezer to work harder, which could lead to spoiled food and puddles forming around the fridge from melting ice.

Don’t Try to Fix the System Yourself

YouTube can be a fantastic resource for DIY projects and keto recipes, but not for fixing a broken A/C. Trying to repair your cooling system without the proper tools or knowledge can lead to more severe damage, voided warranties, and potentially costly repairs.

Rather than trying to search for how to fix a broken A/C unit, the safest and most efficient solution is to call Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter at 913-227-4943. Our technicians have rescued more than a few families from unbearable indoor temperatures and are happy to do the same for you. Just give us a call or schedule service online to have your system repaired the right way.

How Can I Cool My House with a Broken A/C?

You may wonder what to do when the A/C is broken to maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere. Keeping your house cool can be tricky, but try these tricks while waiting for a repair:

Close Blinds, Curtains, and Shades: Block direct sunlight to prevent your home from heating up.
Only Open Windows Strategically: If the temperature is lower outside, let in cooler air in the early morning or late evening.
Use Fans: Position fans to circulate air and direct it toward areas where you need relief most.
Create a DIY Temporary A/C: Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to blow cooler air into the room.
Seal Off Unused Rooms: Close the doors to rooms you don’t need to prevent heat from spreading throughout the house
Use Cold Compresses: Apply cold packs or wet towels to your wrists, neck, and forehead to cool down

How Do You Tell If an A/C Is Broken?

If you’re unsure whether your A/C is completely broken or just struggling to keep up with the heat, a few clear signs can help determine if it’s time for repairs. Here’s what to look for when diagnosing a potential issue:

No Cool Air: If your A/C is running but only blowing warm or room-temperature air, it indicates something is wrong.
Weak Airflow: Even when the system is on full blast, reduced airflow from vents can indicate a broken A/C or blocked ducts.
Strange Noises: Grinding, squealing, or banging noises are common indicators of internal problems with your cooling unit.
Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells, such as burning or musty odors, can signal electrical issues or mold growth within the unit.
Frequent Cycling: If your A/C constantly turns on and off in short cycles, this could indicate a serious issue with the compressor or thermostat.
High Indoor Humidity: A properly functioning A/C should reduce indoor humidity, so if your home feels muggy, the system may be malfunctioning.
Leaks or Moisture: Water pooling around the unit or refrigerant leaks can be signs of a broken A/C, requiring immediate attention.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to have your system checked by a professional. Contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter at 913-227-4943 for a quick inspection and reliable repair.

Should You Run a Fan If the A/C Is Broken?

You can usually run the fan even if the A/C is broken. Operating the fan helps circulate air throughout the home, which can provide some relief by moving cooler air around and keeping the space from becoming stagnant. However, if the A/C leaks or makes strange noises, it’s best to turn everything off to prevent further damage.

Should I Turn off My A/C If It Is Broken?

It’s generally a good idea to turn off a broken A/C. Continuing to run the system when it’s not functioning properly can cause further damage, increase energy bills, and even lead to more costly repairs. If you suspect your A/C is broken, turn it off and contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter at 913-227-4943 for a professional inspection and repair.

How Do You Know If an A/C Needs Freon?

If your A/C isn’t cooling effectively, it could be low on freon (refrigerant). Here are some signs your system might need a recharge:

Weak or Warm Airflow: Low refrigerant could be the issue if the air coming from your vents is warmer than it should be.
Longer Cooling Cycles: If your A/C is running longer than usual to reach a desired temperature, it might be struggling due to low freon levels.
Ice Buildup on Refrigerant Lines: Visible ice or frost on refrigerant lines or the outside of the unit is a common sign of a freon issue.
High Indoor Humidity: If your home feels more humid than usual, the A/C may be struggling to dehumidify the air because of low refrigerant.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: Either of these warning signs could mean there’s a refrigerant leak, which will cause the system to lose freon over time.

Should I Turn off My A/C If It Isn’t Blowing Cold Air?

Yes, it’s best to turn off your A/C if it isn’t blowing cold air. Running the system without cold air could indicate a serious problem, such as a freon leak or a compressor issue.

Allowing it to keep running in this condition can cause further damage and strain to the system, potentially leading to more expensive repairs and higher energy bills. It’s best to shut it off to prevent further damage and have a professional inspect and repair the issue.

When Should You Not Run Your A/C?

There are certain situations when it’s best not to run your A/C to avoid unnecessary strain or energy use, including:

During Cooler Seasons: When outdoor temperatures are mild in spring and fall, running the A/C is often unnecessary. Open windows or use fans for natural ventilation.
When You’re Going on Vacation: If you’ll be away for an extended period, turn off the A/C or set it to a higher temperature to save energy.
When Windows or Doors Are Open: Running the cooling system with windows or doors open will force it to work harder and reduce cooling efficiency.
During Maintenance: If your system is undergoing maintenance or repairs, keeping it off is best to avoid potential damage.
When Performing Major Cleaning or Renovations: Dust and debris from cleaning or home improvement projects can clog your A/C filters, so it’s best to turn the system off until you’re done.
When It’s Broken: If your A/C is malfunctioning, turn it off to prevent further damage while you wait for a professional repair.

Stay Cool and Comfortable with Reliable A/C Solutions

Don’t let a broken A/C cause discomfort in your home. If your system isn’t working properly, it's essential to get professional help as soon as possible.

At Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter, we offer top-tier A/C repair, cooling and heating maintenance services, and system upgrades to keep your home comfortable year-round. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and fix any issues, preventing further damage and costly repairs or the need for premature replacement. Don’t suffer through the heat—schedule service online or call 913-227-4943 today for expert repairs.