How to Beat the Summer Heat and High Costs of Air Conditioning Repair

Ahhh -- the joys of summer, they are many. There's nothing like the summer time to get your blood pumping. Temperatures and tempers flare at record-breaking speeds. If it's not the lightning storms scaring the wits out of you, then maybe it's the mosquitoes, the kids breathing down your neck, or Aunt Mable who's visited one too many times. But let's not leave out the ever popular air conditioning issues. Lack of air conditioning has probably caused 89% of all crimes that occur during the summer months. (The rest are probably alcohol related.) So, read on for some fabulous air conditioning fix-it tricks, tools you'll need, and air conditioning alternatives.

I've never understood how anyone could live without air conditioning; the thought boggles my mind. Those that are old enough to remember those days are probably in a retirement home with the air conditioning blasting out at 68 degrees, wrapped up in a blanket or shawl complaining of the cold anyway.

But if you are looking for excellent ways to beat the summer heat and your air conditioning repair bills, look no further my friend. You've come to the right place. And don't worry; I'm not selling one of those books for dummies here.

You're probably asking yourself, "How in the world would she know anything about air conditioning repair?"

Let me tell you first, that I am a survivor. And I'm always about finding the best way (and best bargain) in any situation. So I think that sufficiently qualifies me. There's also the added gumption I needed from our air conditioning unit dying in the midst of the hottest summer on record, to which I informed my better half,

"If you don't fix that air conditioner, I'm going to have to kill you and use the life insurance money to fix it dear."

I held back from informing him that the local hit man's number was on my speed dial, and thought he would just call the nearest air conditioning repair man. But I guess he figured that his own repair skills were adequate, because he was headed for the garage before I even had to repeat myself. I followed him, and took notes so I could remember how to fix the air conditioning myself if it ever happened again, or if I ever accidentally killed him.

Air conditioning tools you'll need:

• W/D 40 - If it's stuck, use this classic, it's really a phenomenal product.
• Garden hose--Attach one end of the hose to the water spout coming out of the handler for drainage issues, and place your wife's Christmas cookie tin underneath to catch any extra drippage. (Note to self; kill husband for using Christmas cookie tin, and replace with cheap aluminum serving tin).
• Water Weld - Awesome putty-type stuff that works magic on sealing water leaks. This will only put you back about $5.
• Screwdriver - If it's still stuck, whack it a few times with a good, heavy screwdriver (a hammer may be too much), that should get the fan blades spinning again, and with any luck you'll be back in business. I can't say it's the only way to fix it, but it worked for us.
  
• Ear plugs for the kids --These come in handy when the colorful language ensues.
• Valium or Pina Coladas-- These really come in handy for just such emergencies.

Air conditioning fix-it tricks:

• Don't call the air conditioning repair man -- don't even be tempted. This fatal mistake could cost you a mortgage payment.
• Turn off all power going to the air conditioner. (Ummm, yeah -- this is uber-important, unless you want an electrocuted husband).
• Affix the Water Weld putty to leaky spots, and attach one end garden hose to spigot for drainage. Make sure the other end of the garden hose runs outside.
• Clean the air filter and coil fins. If you don't know what those are see Jan Corn's fabulous article Got an Air Conditioner that Won't Work? .
• Also make sure there are no screws loose. (Insert joke here).

Air conditioning alternatives:

Beat the heat with air conditioning alternatives like:

• Throw the kids in a blow-up kiddies' pool filled with ice water.
• Turn on all the fans in the house, and feed the family popsicles.
• Spend all day in the porch/office with the small, back-up window air conditioning unit on full blast.
• For more great tips see One Voice's article; Low Income Living: Make it Through Summer Without Air Conditioning.
• And if all else fails, use the earplugs on yourself, pop a Valium, blend up a pina colada, strip down to your skivvies, and run back and forth through the sprinkler in the front yard. People will think you are mad, have you arrested, and immediately admitted into a nicely air conditioned insane asylum.

Ahhh.. the joys of summer. I hope this helped, even if only a little bit. Sometimes a laugh is worth more than the price of hiring a hit man.

Resources & More Reading

Summer Pool Party BBQ Ideas

Got an Air Conditioner that Won't Work? by Jan Corn

Home Tips: Understanding Air Conditioning Systems by Adam Yeomans,

Air Conditioner Repair: Cool Down that Heat! by Bradley Procto

Low Income Living: Make it Through Summer Without Air Conditioning; by One Voice,

YCN search: air conditioning repair;