Introduction
An air conditioner provides many benefits, including cooling the air and filtering out pollutants. It is a must-have appliance in hot climates, but it can also be a lifesaver in case of an emergency.
If you find yourself without power during a heatwave, your air conditioner can be a vital tool for staying cool and comfortable. Follow these steps to make an emergency air conditioner that will help you survive the heat.
What you will need
- One big bucket or bin
- Small rocks, sand, or gravel
- Ice
- Two towels
- One small fan
Step One – Check the air conditioner’s power
The first step to making an emergency air conditioner is to check the power. Make sure that the air conditioner is turned off and that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet. Once you have confirmed that the air conditioner is turned off and unplugged, you can proceed to the next step.
Step Two – Inspect the air conditioner’s coils
The coils on your air conditioner’s condenser must be checked yearly to ensure they are in good repair. If the coils are leaking, or if they are otherwise damaged, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your home as efficiently as it should. You can purchase an AC coil repair kit at most hardware stores, or you can have a professional HVAC technician inspect and repair the coils for you.
Step Three – Check the air conditioner’s compressor
The compressor is the heart of any air conditioner, so it’s important to ensure that it’s in good working condition. To do this, first, make sure that the power to the unit is turned off. Next, remove the access panel and locate the compressor. Once you’ve found it, check to see if the compressor is hot to the touch; if it is, then it’s likely that the compressor is overloaded and needs to be replaced. If the compressor isn’t hot, then check to see if there’s any visible damage to it; if there is, then it will need to be replaced.
Step Four – Inspect the air conditioner’s refrigerant levels
If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it will need to be repaired by a professional. Refrigerant is a toxic substance and can be very dangerous if it is not handled properly. In some cases, your air conditioner may simply need to have its refrigerant levels topped off. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be done by a professional.
Step Five – Check the air conditioner’s thermostat
If your central air conditioner is not cooling your home despite checking all of the other steps in this guide, there is a chance that the issue lies with the thermostat. The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that it is turned on, and then check to see if the batteries need to be replaced. If neither of those is the problem, you may need to have a professional look at it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an emergency air conditioner can be made quite easily with a few simple materials. All you need is a bucket, some ice, and a fan. This DIY project is sure to keep you cool in a pinch, and it won’t cost you a fortune.