Ways to Stay Cool While Waiting for Air Conditioner Repairs

Read Time:4 min read

Stay comfortable during extreme heat with practical cooling tips, simple ways to reduce indoor heat, and expert advice from SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO.

No Sweat! Expert Cooling Tips from SS&B Heating & Cooling, Springfield, MO

Hot, humid weather puts real stress on both people and air conditioning systems. When an AC unit struggles or stops working, indoor temperatures can rise quickly and make daily life uncomfortable—or even risky. The good news is that a combination of simple habits and smart adjustments can help you stay cooler and safer while waiting for repairs or during stretches of intense heat.

Here are practical, proven ways to reduce heat buildup in your home, cool your body, and protect your comfort.

Block Out the Sun and Reduce Heat Gain

Sunlight pouring through windows is one of the largest sources of unwanted indoor heat. Close blinds, curtains, or shades—especially on south- and west-facing windows—during the brightest and hottest parts of the day. Blackout curtains, thermal curtains, cellular shades, or reflective window film are even more effective at limiting solar heat gain.

For a low-cost temporary solution, place aluminum foil-covered cardboard or a reflective car sunshade between the glass and the drapes. Outside the home, awnings, shade screens, or strategically placed trees can make a noticeable difference over time. Sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping also helps keep cooler air inside and hot air out.

Maximize Fans for Better Air Movement

Fans do not lower the actual air temperature, but the breeze they create speeds up the evaporation of sweat and makes you feel several degrees cooler. Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise (when viewed from below) so they push air downward. Turn fans off when you leave a room—they cool people, not empty spaces.

Position portable or box fans strategically. One fan can exhaust hot air out a window on the warmer side of the house while another draws in cooler air from a shaded side when outdoor temperatures are lower. Placing a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan adds a noticeable cooling effect. In humid conditions, running a dehumidifier (or even placing a container of rock salt or baking soda to absorb moisture) often improves comfort more than methods that add humidity to the air.

Avoid Heat-Generating Activities Indoors

Everyday tasks can raise indoor temperatures more than many people realize. Limit use of the oven, stove, dishwasher, and clothes dryer during the hottest hours. Grill outside, use a slow cooker, air fryer, or microwave, or prepare cold meals such as salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Run major appliances in the cooler morning or evening hours when possible, and turn off lights and electronics that are not in use.

Stay Hydrated and Cool Your Body Directly

Drinking water regularly is one of the most effective ways to help your body regulate temperature. Do not wait until you feel thirsty. Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration. Water-rich foods—watermelon, cucumbers, berries, oranges, and leafy greens—also support hydration.

Cool key pulse points (neck, wrists, ankles, armpits, and forehead) with a damp cloth, cool compress, or a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel. Lukewarm or tepid showers and baths are often better than very cold ones for lowering core temperature without triggering a rebound heating response. A light mist of water while sitting in front of a fan provides extra evaporative cooling. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.

Create Smart Airflow and Night Flushing

When outdoor air is cooler than the air inside your home (typically in the evening, overnight, and early morning), open windows on opposite sides of the house to create cross-ventilation. Use fans to strengthen the airflow. Close windows and cover them before outdoor temperatures rise again so the cooler air stays trapped inside. Sleeping on a lower level or closer to the floor can also help, since heat naturally rises.

Dress for the Heat and Manage Activity Levels

Wear light, loose clothing and limit strenuous activity to the cooler parts of the day. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and pace yourself. Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time—temperatures inside a car can climb to dangerous levels within minutes.

Know When to Seek Cooler Spaces

Extended time in a very hot home can be hazardous, particularly for young children, older adults, people with certain health conditions, and pets. If indoor temperatures become uncomfortably or dangerously high, move to a cooler location such as a friend’s or relative’s home, a library, shopping mall, movie theater, or community cooling center. Check on neighbors who may need assistance, and make arrangements for pets if necessary. Once outdoor temperatures climb well above 90°F, fans alone may no longer provide adequate relief.

Prevention Helps Avoid Breakdowns

Many cooling problems can be reduced with routine care. Change or clean air filters monthly during heavy-use periods, keep outdoor units free of debris and vegetation, ensure supply and return vents are unobstructed, and schedule professional maintenance. Regular tune-ups improve efficiency, catch small issues early, and extend the life of the system.

At SS&B Heating & Cooling, a local family-owned company with more than 55 years of experience serving Springfield and nearby communities, the focus is on honest diagnostics and reliable solutions. Non-commissioned technicians, 24/7 emergency service, and quality installation and maintenance options (including high-efficiency systems) are part of the approach to keeping homes comfortable.

Staying cool is about both immediate relief and longer-term preparedness. Use the tips that fit your situation, prioritize safety, and reach out for professional help when needed. Stay comfortable, Springfield!

To repair your broken air conditioner or have it inspected before the hottest days of summer, call us at 417-866-0990, or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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