A broken AC is stressful on any summer day, but during a heat wave, it can quickly become a safety concern. You need a clear plan—not guesswork. Knowing what to do if your AC breaks can help you stay calm, avoid unnecessary risks, and know when emergency HVAC services should be part of your heat safety plan.
If your AC broke during a heat wave, this guide from ARS/Rescue Rooter is for you. You’ll learn what to check first, how to stay cool while waiting for service, and when a broken air conditioner requires an AC repair as soon as possible.
AC Breakdown Quick-Action Guide
What you notice | What to do now | When to call |
|---|---|---|
Thermostat is blank | Check the Cool setting and replace batteries. | Call if the display stays blank. |
Breaker tripped | Flip the breaker back on. | Turn the AC off and call if it trips again. |
Warm air or weak airflow | Check the filter and make sure vents are open. | Call if cooling does not improve. |
Ice, burning odor, or loud noises | Turn the system off. | Request emergency AC service. |
What to Check First
Before assuming the system has completely failed, take a few minutes to rule out some common problems. Check the following if your AC is not working in hot weather:
Thermostat settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to Cool and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature. If your thermostat has a fan setting, confirm it’s set to Auto instead of On, which can sometimes make it seem like the AC is not blowing cold air.
Circuit breaker: If the AC breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and contact our HVAC professionals.
Air filter: A clogged filter can restrict airflow and even contribute to a frozen AC system.
Supply vents: Confirm that vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
Outdoor unit: Remove leaves, grass, or other debris around the condenser, but don’t open the equipment or attempt repairs.
Thermostat batteries: If the display is blank or the air conditioning is not turning on, replace the batteries if your thermostat uses them.
Outdoor fan: If the AC fan is not turning on while the system is calling for cooling, turn the system off and schedule service.
When to Shut Off Your AC
A struggling AC should not always be left running while you wait for service, as continued operation could cause additional damage. Part of learning what to do if your AC breaks is knowing when to shut off the system while waiting for help to arrive. Turn your AC off if you notice:
Burning odors: These may point to an electrical or motor problem.
Grinding, squealing, or banging sounds: Unusual noises often indicate failing mechanical components.
Frozen coils or visible ice: Running a frozen system can make the problem worse.
A breaker that keeps tripping: Repeated electrical issues should always be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible.
Warm air that doesn’t improve: If the AC keeps running without cooling after you’ve completed the basic checks, turn it off while waiting for service.
How to Stay Cool Safely
While you’re waiting for repairs, focus on keeping yourself and your household as cool as possible. Extreme heat can become a health concern, especially for young children, older adults, pets, and people with certain medical conditions.
Close blinds and curtains: Block direct sunlight to help reduce indoor heat gain throughout the day.
Stay in the coolest room: Spend as much time as possible in the coolest area of your home, especially during the hottest hours.
Drink plenty of water: Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Use cool showers or damp cloths: Help lower your body temperature with a cool shower or by placing a cool, damp cloth on your skin.
Relocate if necessary: Go to an air-conditioned building if your home becomes too hot to stay safe.
Is It Safe to Use Fans During Extreme Heat?
Electric fans can improve airflow and create a cooling sensation, but they are not a safe substitute for air conditioning during extreme heat. If the indoor temperature reaches the mid-90s or higher, stop using electric fans and move to an air-conditioned location if possible.
Safe or Not? Fan Decision Guide
Situation | Best next step |
|---|---|
Indoor temperature is below 85°F | Use a fan for comfort, shade sunny windows, and drink water. |
Indoor temperature is 85°F or higher | Stop using the fan and move to an air-conditioned place. |
The home keeps getting hotter | Relocate, especially with higher-risk household members sensitive to heat. |
What Not to Do During Extreme Heat
Avoid the following during a heat wave:
Adding heat: Try not to use ovens, dryers, or other heat-producing appliances.
Opening windows: Keep windows closed when it’s hot outside.
Doing risky DIY work: Do not open equipment or handle electrical components.
Neglecting the vulnerable: Pay extra attention to the needs and comfort of children, older adults, pets, and people with health conditions.
When to Call for Emergency AC Repair
Knowing what to do if your AC breaks can help you respond quickly, but some situations require immediate professional care. If your home continues to heat up or your system shows dangerous warning signs, trust ARS/Rescue Rooter’s emergency HVAC services. We also provide expert AC maintenance to help prevent future breakdowns and prepare your AC for the cooling season. Call 866-399-2885 or schedule service online today.
