Emergency HVAC: What to Do When Your AC Fails in Summer

It’s 100 degrees outside. Your AC suddenly stops working. Your home starts heating up fast—and so does your frustration.

Sound familiar?

An unexpected AC breakdown during a summer heatwave isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. That’s why Jacobs and Rhodes created this quick, actionable guide to help you stay cool, stay safe, and know exactly what to do when your air conditioning system fails.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check the Simple Stuff

Before assuming the worst, check these basics—you might be able to fix the issue in under five minutes:

Thermostat Settings – Make sure it’s set to “Cool” and set below the current room temperature.
Circuit Breaker – Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker tied to the AC unit. Reset it if needed.
Air Filter – A clogged filter can block airflow and cause your system to shut down. Swap it out if it’s dirty.
Outdoor Unit – Clear any leaves, dirt, or debris that might be restricting airflow around the condenser.

Still not working? Time to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Look for Obvious Warning Signs

Pay attention to any of the following:

Strange sounds (grinding, clanking, hissing)
Unusual smells (burning, musty, chemical)
Visible leaks or moisture near the unit

These clues help your HVAC technician diagnose the issue faster—and get your system back up and running sooner.

Step 3: Call Jacobs and Rhodes for Emergency HVAC Service

Once the basics are covered and the problem persists, call in the pros. Jacobs and Rhodes offers emergency AC repair for exactly these situations.

Our certified technicians are trained to respond fast, fix the issue right, and explain what happened—so you can avoid future breakdowns.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Trying to fix it yourself can make things worse (and more expensive). Leave it to the experts.

Step 4: Stay Cool While You Wait

Here’s how to beat the heat until help arrives:

Close curtains and blinds to block out sunlight
Run ceiling or portable fans to circulate air
Drink water regularly to stay hydrated
Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens or dryers

Step 5: Get Ready for the Technician

Help speed up the repair by doing the following before your technician arrives:

Clear access to your AC unit
Have past maintenance records or warranties ready
Take note of recent issues or changes in system behavior

The more context you provide, the faster we can solve the problem.

Step 6: Know When It’s Time for a Replacement

If your AC is over 10–15 years old or has needed multiple repairs lately, a full replacement might be more cost-effective. Today’s high-efficiency models cool your home better and can slash your energy bills.

Jacobs and Rhodes can help you compare options and find the best system for your home and budget.

Don’t Let It Happen Again: Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Most AC breakdowns are preventable. Annual maintenance keeps your system running smoothly, improves energy efficiency, and catches problems early—before they become emergencies.

Proactive is always cheaper than reactive.

Jacobs and Rhodes offers seasonal tune-ups and service plans designed to keep your AC running strong when you need it most.