This week we’ll see another page come off the calendar as August gives way to September. But while this may mean cool autumn weather for some areas of the country, the summer has a lot of life left in it.
According to CBS Sacramento, the temperatures over the weekend (August 26th and 27th) crushed all-time records for those dates since weather record-keeping began in Sacramento in 1877, with highs of 105 and 108 degrees. And the next few days aren’t looking to be too much of an improvement.
When Sacramento’s temperatures get this hot, it’s downright dangerous.
It’s deceptively easy to overheat once temperatures hit triple digits, even if you’re a longtime resident and feel that you’re used to the weather. A few extra minutes out in the sun when you’re running errands can make a big difference. And it’s in this kind of weather that aging air conditioning systems tend to break down—when they’re working at their hardest.
So, what can you do if your air conditioner fails in order to keep your family safe?
Just like in a medical emergency, you want to make sure that you have expert assistance on the way. So first, you need to call Gilmore Heating Air & Plumbing immediately, or make an appointment online ASAP for air conditioner repair. When it gets this hot, we get busy, fast. You want to make sure that you get scheduled as soon as you can, so that you minimize the wait.
Once you know that you have an appointment for one of our AC technicians to come out and fix the problem, then it’s a matter of making sure that your family stays safe and comfortable.
How do you stay cool and healthy in the heat without air conditioning?
If your air conditioner has just failed and your home is currently cool, try to keep it that way. Keep windows and doors closed, and close all blinds and curtains. As long as it’s cool, stay indoors.
If your house is too warm to comfortably inhabit, make a day-trip of it. Go to the mall, your local library, or somewhere else indoors and air-conditioned. Do your best to minimize heat exposure.
If you have to head outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses, and consider putting on sunscreen as well.
Make sure to drink lots of water. Do not wait until you’re thirsty. If you’re exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees or so, you should be drinking at least a couple glasses of water per hour.
Watch out for signs of dehydration and heat stress, such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Muscle cramping
- Disorientation and difficulty thinking
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Clammy skin
- A lack of sweat in high temperatures
If you start noticing these signs, you need to hydrate immediately, and then find shelter somewhere cool. If your symptoms worsen, it’s time to seek medical attention.
This time of year is very deceptive. It’s late in the year, and many of us are anticipating pumpkin spice drinks and pleasant fall weather. But you need to be on your guard, as Sacramento and surrounding areas are capable of generating dangerous 100+ degree weather as late as early October. We’re not out of the woods yet.
So if your air conditioner fails or is showing signs of failing, you need to get it repaired now. Gilmore can help. Give us a call, or send us a message using our appointment contact form!
