What to Do If Your AC Stops Working in a Tucson Heatwave
                     What to Do If Your AC 
Stops Working in a 
Tucson Heatwave
Stay cool and safe when your air conditioning fails during extreme 
heat. This guide provides practical steps to protect your home and 
family.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
First Steps When Your AC Fails
01 02
Check the Thermostat Inspect the Circuit Breaker
Verify it's set to "cool" and the temperature is lower than Look for tripped breakers in your electrical panel. Reset 
the current room temperature. Replace batteries if any that are in the "off" position and test the system.
needed.
03 04
Replace Your Air Filter Clear the Outdoor Unit
A clogged filter restricts airflow and can cause system Remove debris, leaves, and dirt from around your 
failure. Check monthly and replace every 1-3 months condenser. Ensure at least 2 feet of clearance on all 
during summer. sides.
INDOOR COOLING
Keep Your Home Cool Without AC
Block Out Sunlight Create Cross-Ventilation
Close blinds, curtains, and Open windows on opposite 
drapes on sun-facing windows. sides of your home during 
Use reflective window film or cooler evening hours. Use box 
cardboard covered with fans to pull cool air in and push 
aluminum foil for maximum hot air out.
heat reflection.
Use Fans Strategically
Place bowls of ice in front of fans for a DIY air conditioner effect. 
Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in summer to push air 
down.
Pro Tip: Avoid using heat-generating 
appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers 
during the hottest parts of the day.
SAFETY FIRST
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Stay Hydrated Monitor Heat Illness
Drink water every 15-20 minutes even if you Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, 
don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine nausea, rapid heartbeat, or confusion. Move to a 
which can dehydrate you. cooler location immediately if symptoms appear.
Find Cooling Centers
Visit public libraries, shopping malls, or community cooling centers. Tucson opens emergency cooling 
centers when temperatures exceed 110°F.
Emergency Warning: Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke—hot dry skin, 
confusion, or loss of consciousness.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
When to Call for Professional Repair
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Ice buildup on indoor coils indicates refrigerant issues or airflow problems requiring professional diagnosis.
Refrigerant Leaks
Hissing sounds or reduced cooling power may signal refrigerant loss. Only certified technicians can handle 
refrigerant safely.
Compressor or Motor Failure
Unusual noises, burning smells, or complete system shutdown typically require component replacement by experts.
Don't wait until the heat becomes unbearable. Professional For urgent situations during extreme temperatures, 
air conditioning repair Tucson services can diagnose and fix emergency AC repair Tucson services are available 24/7 to 
issues quickly, restoring comfort to your home. help when you need it most.
Get Your AC Running Again
Contact Heatwave Air for Expert Service
Experienced technicians serving Tucson with fast, reliable AC 
repair. We understand the urgency of cooling system failures 
in extreme heat.
Call Us
(520) 623-1855
Email Us
[email protected]