When the Heat Hits Hard: What to Do If Your A/C Stops Working During a Heatwave
It’s 94 degrees in the shade, your dog has claimed the spot directly in front of the fan, and your popsicles are melting faster than your patience. Then it happens. your A/C taps out. Of course it picks the hottest day of the summer to do it.
Don’t panic. Before you start building a personal ice fort or threatening to move to Antarctica, here’s what you should do if your air conditioner quits during a brutal Iowa heatwave.
Is It Really Broken? Or Just Throwing a Little Tantrum?
First things first: check the basics. Sometimes it’s not a total system failure. it’s just a small issue that’s easy to fix.
Thermostat settings: Is it on “cool”? Is the battery dead?
Circuit breaker: Flip it. Just like your mood.
Air filter: A clogged filter can choke the system.
Outside unit: Make sure it’s clear of debris and hasn’t been turned into a bird condo.
If everything looks right and it still isn’t blowing cold air, it’s time to bring in the pros.
Keep It Cool…Without the A/C
While you’re waiting for help from Obsidian Heating & Cooling, here are some survival tips:
Close the blinds to block out that relentless Iowa sun.
Turn on fans to keep the air moving (and point one directly at your face. we won’t judge).
Stay downstairs—heat rises, and your basement just became the most luxurious room in the house.
Limit appliances—don’t add heat from ovens, dryers, or hair dryers. (Sorry, your blowout will have to wait.)
Why Emergency HVAC Service Matters (and Why We Offer It)
Iowa’s weather isn’t just unpredictable, it’s dramatic. One minute you're sipping iced tea on the porch, the next you're melting into the couch cushions.
That’s why Obsidian Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency service. We’re based in Ankeny and serve the entire Des Moines metro, so when your system goes rogue, we’re already nearby, ready to help.
Whether it’s midnight, a weekend, or right in the middle of your family reunion, we’ve got your back…and your thermostat.
Final Tip: Don’t Wait for a Heatwave to Think About Your A/C
Regular maintenance can prevent many of the issues that cause breakdowns in the first place. A clean, well-tuned unit runs more efficiently, cools better, and has fewer breakdowns. (Kind of like people who get 8 hours of sleep and drink enough water.)
So before the next heatwave hits, give us a call to schedule a preventive A/C tune-up.
Stay cool, friends, and remember, when the heat turns up, Obsidian shows up.
📞 Call us today. we’re Ready when you need us, no matter how high that thermostat climbs.
