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With the recent upticks in heatwaves, we can’t think of anything more panic-inducing than your AC dying during a 100-degree weekend.
One minute, your house feels fine, and the next, the air is heavy, and suddenly, you’re wondering how fast your HVAC contractor can come to your home.
It’s worse on weekends, as you’re not the only one making a call, according to American Residential Services (ARS), a national home services company that provides heating, air conditioning and plumbing services across the country.
“If a customer is calling with a need and they’re in distress because their system is broken — and let’s say that it’s 105 degrees outside — they need somebody there right now,” says Josh Conder, division operations manager for ARS Central Division. “We can’t say, ‘All right, we’ll get out there next week. Just sweat for the next week.’ That doesn’t work well.”
That said, if this does happen, there are a few things you can do to survive the weekend and then decide whether you need a repair or a replacement.
Here’s what to do if your AC dies during extreme heat.
Start with safety first
Joey Dooley, a general manager at ARS in Texas, says AC can become more than a luxury for some households.
“Your AC is designed to provide comfort, but if you’re talking about elderly people, senior citizens or people with certain medical conditions, it can become a life-and-death issue,” he says. “If you have any kind of health issue and you’re stuck sleeping in extreme heat, that’s a real problem.”
If the temperature in your home is going beyond just uncomfortable, consider going somewhere cooler, even temporarily. This means a mall, a movie, a friend’s or neighbor’s place, a library or even a hotel.
Don’t wait until everyone feels awful to leave. If the house is unsafe, get out of the heat first and always deal with the system second.
Check the basics before you panic
Before assuming the worst, check certain things with your AC. Sometimes the issue is not full system failure.
Start with the obvious: check if the thermostat is set correctly. Make sure it’s on cool and that the temperature is below the current room temperature. If it is battery-powered, replace the batteries (if needed).
Next, check the circuit breaker. If the breaker tripped, you may be able to reset it once. If it trips again, don’t keep flipping it back on. That could point to an electrical issue that needs a professional.
Finally, check the air filter. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause a system to freeze up or shut down in extreme situations.
“There are even systems now that can help tell you if a filter is actually dirty versus replacing it just because it’s ‘time,’” Dooley says. “If you’re buying expensive filters, replacing them when you don’t need to is unnecessary.”
What to check first
| Thermostat settings | A wrong setting or dead battery can make the system seem broken |
| Circuit breaker | A tripped breaker can shut the system off |
| Air filter | A clogged filter can restrict airflow and strain the system |
| Vents | Blocked vents can reduce cooling |
| Outdoor unit | Debris around the unit can affect airflow |
| Drainage | A clogged drain can shut the system down or cause water issues |
| Unusual noises | Buzzing, clicking or screeching can point to electrical or mechanical issues |
Shut the blinds and block the sun
If your AC is down, it’s time to keep as much heat out of your place as possible.
Close your blinds, curtains and shades. If you have blackout curtains, use them. If not, any temporary covering can help reduce heat gain.
Avoid opening windows during the hottest part of the day unless the outdoor air is cooler than your indoor air. In high heat, opening windows can actually make the temperature worse, not better.
Once the temperature drops at night, you may be able to open windows to create cross-ventilation, but only if it is cooler outside.
Use fans strategically
It’s a common misconception that fans lower the room temperature. But they actually work by moving air across hot skin to help you feel cooler.
Use ceiling fans; place box fans in your window if the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air. You can also use portable or misting fans in rooms where people spend time.
Do not leave fans running in empty rooms and expect them to cool the space. Fans cool people, not rooms, unless, of course, it’s a misting fan designed to do just that.
Avoid adding more heat inside
Avoid using the oven, stove, dryer or dishwasher during the hottest part of the day. Skip hot showers and turn off unnecessary lights or anything else that generates heat.
If you need to cook, try using your microwave or even your air fryer. The goal is to stop adding heat to a home that’s already struggling.
Pay attention to humidity
Heat is not the only problem. Humidity can make your home feel even worse.
“Air conditioning is dehumidification with a byproduct of cooling,” says Gregory Milich, an HVAC expert and college instructor with 43 years of experience. “So air conditioning is basically dehumidifying the air.”
When your AC is not working, humidity can build up inside your home. This can make your space feel sticky, heavy and even uncomfortable over time.
Milich also warns that humidity can affect the home itself.
“It doesn’t just have to do with cooling,” he says. “It’s the humidity that will hurt — not hurt you, but hurt your belongings in your house. Humidity soaks into everything.”
Use a dehumidifier if you can, at least in the most humid area of your home.
Do not keep restarting a struggling system
If your AC is making a buzzing sound, turning on and off repeatedly, or just tripping the breaker, don’t force it to restart.
“One of the most common issues we see is a bad capacitor,” says Dooley. “Depending on where you live in the country, it really feels like most people will have at least one failure within the first year or two of the system. Capacitors just don’t last as long as they used to.”
A failing capacitor, motor issue, wiring problem or other electrical issue is not something you want to push. If the system is clearly struggling, shut it off and call a technician.
Know when to call for emergency service
Some ACs can wait until the next business day — others should not.
Call for emergency service if the home is way too hot, the system is making buzzing sounds even when off, there is a burning smell, water is leaking, or vulnerable people or pets are at risk.
“I think sometimes people don’t realize how much water an AC system produces, and how quickly that can become a problem,” Dooley says. “Those systems can generate a lot of water, especially in the summertime, and if drainage fails, you can get serious damage.”
Do not ignore water, musty smells or visible dampness near the unit.
Ask the right questions before agreeing to a repair
If a technician is coming during a weekend heat wave, you may feel pressured to agree to anything just to get the air on faster. But it’s always good to ask a few questions before you agree.
Ask your HVAC contractor:
- What exactly failed?
- Is this a temporary fix or a long-term repair?
- Is the system safe to run after this repair?
- Is the issue related to airflow, electrical components, refrigerant, drainage or ductwork?
- Is the system still under warranty?
- Will this repair affect my warranty?
- Is there anything else likely to fail soon?
- If the repair is expensive, would replacement make more sense?
You always want to slow down and understand what the quote involves and what you’re paying for.
Do not panic-buy a new system
A new system sounds like the fastest solution if your AC dies in extreme heat, but this might not be the best idea.
According to ARS, a complete residential HVAC system replacement typically ranges from about $12,000 to $16,000, depending on system type, home size and installation requirements. ARS notes that simpler furnace-only replacements cost less, while premium or high-efficiency systems and complex installs cost more.
If your HVAC contractor does bring up a replacement, make sure to ask whether a heat-load calculation was performed and whether the system is actually the right size for your home. A heat-load calculation helps determine the size of the HVAC system your home actually needs based on factors such as square footage, insulation, windows, layout and cooling or heating needs.
“First of all, it needs to be sized properly,” Milich says. “You can’t just take a three-ton system out and put a four-ton system in because the customer says, ‘I just want more air conditioning.’ It does not work that way.”
Never ignore ductwork
If your AC died and has been struggling for a while, the signs may point to ductwork issues.
“A lot of the real problems come from ductwork,” Dooley says. “If the ducts are installed improperly, if there are restrictions, if things are sealed badly, then you’re not getting the efficiency you paid for. For example, we can change to higher-efficiency equipment, but if the airflow and duct system aren’t right, you’re not going to get that full efficiency.”
According to ARS service data, ductwork repair or replacement typically runs between $2,800 and $4,000 per job, depending on the extent of the work and the home’s layout.
If you are being quoted a replacement, make sure it explains whether ductwork is included or needed.
When repair may not be enough
Sometimes a repair is all you need. Other times, an AC breaking down is a sign that the system is nearing the end of its life.
ARS recommends a general rule for homeowners: If a repair quote is more than half the cost of a new system and the unit is over 10 years old, replacement usually makes more financial sense over the life of the system.
That said, age might not be the only factor.
“In some cases, an eight- or nine-year-old system makes sense to replace,” he says. “In other cases, you may have a system that’s 15 years old that still makes sense to keep. We really want to do that analysis and let the homeowner know what the true cost of ownership has been so they can make a decision.”
This will depend on repair history, age, warranty coverage and how energy-efficient your system currently is.
What to ask before replacing the system
If the technician says replacement is the best option, ask direct questions before agreeing.
| Was a heat-load calculation performed? | Helps ensure the system is sized correctly |
| Is the system the right size for my home? | Incorrect sizing can cause comfort and humidity problems |
| Were the ducts inspected? | Bad ductwork can reduce airflow and efficiency |
| Is ductwork included in the quote? | Ductwork can add to the total cost |
| Is electrical work included? | Electrical upgrades can affect the quote |
| Are permits included? | Helps ensure the work meets code |
| What warranties apply? | Protects the equipment and possibly the labor |
| Is there a comfort or money-back guarantee? | Gives you recourse if the system does not perform |
| What maintenance is required? | Missed maintenance may affect warranty coverage |
How to avoid a rushed HVAC decision
If your AC dies during a heat wave, safety should be your top priority. Get vulnerable people and pets into a cool space and avoid adding heat inside your home. Also, don’t keep forcing your struggling system to turn on.
Then check the basics: the thermostat, the breaker and the filter. Make a note of whether the system makes any buzzing sounds, leaks water, or consistently fails to start. Finally, if deemed necessary, call a professional.
Most importantly, do not panic-buy a new system without asking the right questions. A weekend heat wave can make any fix seem urgent, but an HVAC system is too pricey for a rush job.
Make sure you’re asking the right questions, comparing quotes and deciding if a repair or replacement is right for you before a commitment.
FAQ
Should I turn my AC off if it stops cooling?
If the system is buzzing, clicking, tripping the breaker, or clearly struggling, turn it off and call a technician. Repeated restarts can make the problem worse.
Should I replace my AC if it dies during a heat wave?
Not automatically. Ask what failed, how old the system is, whether it is under warranty and whether the repair cost makes sense compared with replacement.
How can I avoid this happening again?
Keep up with biannual maintenance, change filters when needed, watch for weak airflow or strange noises and get your system checked before peak summer.
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