When the air conditioner stops functioning on the hottest day of the summer or the heater breaks down right before the temperatures dip, you might feel rather impatient while waiting for the service appointment. The team will be to you as soon as they can, but in the meantime, aim to focus on what you can do to stay comfortable and safe. You can also take some steps to help expedite the work once it begins.
Ask for an Estimated Wait Time
The first step is to find out how long you’ll need to wait for a service appointment. The answer depends upon several factors, including the type of service you’re getting and the time of the year. Still, though, our team can let you know if you can expect a serviceperson later in the day or if the work you’re requesting requires booking at least a couple of weeks in advance.
Prioritize Health Concerns
Once you’ve established how long it will take for the serviceperson to arrive, prioritize any health concerns. Your family members or pets might have health issues that make living without an HVAC unit, such as an air conditioner, dangerous or even fatal. For example, elderly relatives or family members with severe asthma might not be able to stay in the home. In these cases, you will have to make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or at a hotel. Keep in mind that certain types of HVAC work can also exacerbate health issues. A lot of dust in the air could cause problems for people or pets with breathing issues. Now is the time to plan out where everyone will go during the work.
Consider Your Own Comfort
Even if you don’t have any known health conditions, staying in a house that’s too hot could be uncomfortable or dangerous. Check the weather forecast for the next few days, and if temperatures are going to soar, make arrangements to leave the house as well.
Stay Hydrated
If you’re planning to stay at home and be without air conditioning, it’s extra important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to have some water. Keep drinking water regularly throughout the day. Aim to avoid beverages or foods that could dehydrate you further.
Order Takeout
Using the stove or oven to prepare meals can make you feel even more uncomfortable in the summer. The oven, in particular, will also cause the temperature in the house to soar. Order takeout for your next few meals. You could also put the grill to use. Get some fresh air and cool off while making dinner.
Turn on the Fan
On milder days, a high-powered fan can help to keep high circulating enough to ensure that you’re comfortable. Couple a fan with open windows for an even stronger cooling effect.
Turn off the Lights
Turning the lights off will help to maintain a cooler temperature in the home. Even if you need the lights on at times to work, help the kids with school assignments or prepare meals, switch the lamps off before you leave each room. If you have a long wait until the serviceperson arrives, now may be a good time to replace some of the light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs, for example, give off more heat than other bulbs. Make sure you select a bulb that is appropriate for each fixture. Otherwise, a fire could start.
Watch the Windows
Opening up the windows can certainly bring in a lovely breeze, particularly before and after the height of summer. You should make sure the curtains or blinds are pulled close though. Otherwise, the sun will counteract your cooling efforts.
Don’t Use Makeshift Heaters
On the other hand, you might be waiting for repairs to be done on the home’s heating system. On a chilly day, you may feel tempted to turn on the oven to heat the house. This action is dangerous. Do not attempt to use the stove to warm the house either. Only appliances intended for heating should be used for this purpose. You can invest in a space heater instead. Look for a model that automatically turns off if the unit tips over. A space heater should never be left unattended, nor should you run the unit while sleeping. Space heaters are helpful, but do come with fire risks.
Follow Any Directions
When you booked the service appointment, you may have gotten some directions from the company representative. For example, the representative might have told you to avoid touching any components of the heating or cooling units. Following these directions is pivotal to avoid further damage of the unit and to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Gather Necessary Paperwork
Upon speaking with a representative to book the appointment, find out if you need to present any paperwork. The company might ask for a paper copy of the warranty on your heating or cooling unit. If you had previous work done on the HVAC system or any of its components by another company, informing the technicians of the specific tasks completed is useful.
Clear the Space
Regardless of the work that needs to be performed, the technicians should have access to clutter-free space in which to do so. Ensure hazards that could lead to falls are out of the way. You should also clear a space outside for the truck to park. In the event that major work, such as a total replacement of the home’s HVAC system, is scheduled, leave a space open in the driveway if possible. The technicians will likely need to go in and out of the house regularly to retrieve equipment and tools. Ask the representative on the phone if there are any other preparations you should make prior to the serviceperson’s arrival.
Whether you’re in need of repairs for your home’s current HVAC system or you’re seeking a full replacement, contact A/C & Plumbing Doctors in Gilbert for assistance. Service is available for the surrounding areas as well, including Scottsdale, Sun City West and Chandler Heights. We supply a full range of heating and cooling services, including repair, maintenance and installation. We also work on heat pumps and electric furnaces. Our team members are available to resolve plumbing issues as well. Some of our plumbing services include leak detection, work on garbage disposals, installation of plumbing fixtures, water treatment and drain cleaning. Check out our guide of frequently asked questions on our website to learn more about our services. Make sure to ask about our financing options, service agreements and emergency repair options too.
Our company is family-owned and operated, and we have over two decades of experience in the field. We’re looking forward to serving you and making your home a safer, more comfortable place. To get started on your home HVAC project, call A/C & Plumbing Doctors today.