When your AC suddenly quits, taking the right first steps can prevent further damage and get you back to cool comfort faster.
Picture this: It’s 2 PM on a blazing July afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, the temperature has hit 105°F, and you walk into your house expecting that sweet relief of cool air. Instead, you’re hit with a wall of stifling heat. Your AC is dead. Completely, utterly silent.
Your heart sinks as you realize you’re now trapped in what’s essentially becoming a solar oven. This isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s genuinely dangerous!
The Scary Reality of AC Failure in LA Heat
Let’s not sugarcoat this: when your AC dies during a Southern California heatwave, you’re facing more than just discomfort. In 2023, extreme heat was linked to over 11,000 deaths and approximately 120,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. Here in LA, the fire department sees a significant increase in 911 calls during heat waves, many heat-related.
Heat waves are the most common natural disaster, yet they don’t get the respect they deserve, according to UCLA experts. The real kicker? We likely undercount heat-related fatalities because deaths from dehydration or kidney failure often aren’t officially linked to heat waves.
What NOT to Do
When panic sets in, people make costly mistakes. Here’s what absolutely NOT to do:
DON’T Keep Trying to Turn It On Repeatedly hitting that power button when your system is clearly struggling can fry electrical components. Once temperatures exceed 95°F, AC systems must work overtime, and forcing a struggling system can lead to compressor failure.
That’s a $2,000+ repair that could have been avoided.
DON’T Ignore Circuit Breakers If your AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker, STOP. This is often a sign of electrical issues that can be dangerous. Continuing to reset it could cause electrical fires.
DON’T Try to “Fix” It Yourself YouTube University won’t help you here. Refrigerant leaks, frozen coils, and electrical problems require professional attention. DIY repairs during an emergency often make things worse and more expensive.
DON’T Wait “To See If It Gets Better” During LA heatwaves, valley temperatures exceeding 100°F force compressors to overwork, leading to premature failures. Every minute your system struggles makes the damage worse.
What TO Do: Your Emergency Action Plan
Step 1: Safety First Move to the coolest part of your home immediately. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion with symptoms including heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea. If anyone shows signs of heatstroke – high body temperature above 103°F, confusion, or hot, dry skin – call 911 immediately.
Step 2: Quick Diagnosis Check these basics:
- Is the thermostat set correctly and showing power?
- Are circuit breakers tripped?
- Is the outdoor unit getting power?
- Are air filters completely clogged with dust and debris?
Step 3: Emergency Cooling
- Close all blinds and curtains
- Use fans to circulate air
- Stay hydrated—drink 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during excessive heat
- Take cool showers
- Consider going to cooling centers. LA County has multiple locations available during heat emergencies
Step 4: Call for Professional Help IMMEDIATELY Don’t wait until tomorrow. AC systems can fail at any point during a heatwave due to extreme stress, and the longer you wait, the more damage occurs.
When Repair Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, your AC doesn’t just need repair, it needs to be replaced. If your system is over 10-15 years old and dies during a heatwave, replacement might be your fastest path back to safety and comfort.
Modern air conditioners are built to handle extreme heat better than older systems. They’re more efficient, more reliable, and less likely to fail when you need them most.
The MightyServ Advantage: 60+ Years of LA Heat Experience
Since 1963, we’ve been rescuing families throughout the San Fernando Valley and Greater LA from AC emergencies. We know exactly how brutal these heatwaves can be, and we understand that when your AC dies, every minute counts.
Our emergency AC repair teams are equipped to handle the specific challenges LA’s climate throws at cooling systems. From Valley heat that exceeds 100°F to salt air corrosion in coastal areas and dust from Santa Ana winds, we’ve seen it all.
We also provide comprehensive air conditioning services and heat pump solutions designed to prevent these emergencies from happening in the first place.
Don’t Wait for Disaster
The best time to prepare for an AC emergency is before it happens. Regular maintenance can prevent most heat-related failures and keep your system running when you need it most.
But if you’re reading this while your AC is already dead and your house feels like an oven, don’t panic: just act fast. Contact us immediately or give us a all at (818) 348-4768.
