What to Do When Your AC Goes Out in the Middle of a Texas Summer Night

It's 11 PM in July. Outside it's still 89 degrees. Inside, your house is creeping up past 80, and you just realized the AC isn't blowing cold anymore.

Welcome to one of the most stressful experiences a Texas homeowner can have. Before you panic — or worse, try to sleep through it — here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Check the thermostat

Sounds obvious, but it happens more than you'd think. Make sure it's set to "cool" and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, check that a schedule didn't override your setting. Replace the batteries if it's not powering on.

Step 2: Check the breaker

Go to your electrical panel and look for the AC breaker. Sometimes they trip without fully flipping all the way to "off." Push it firmly to "off," then back to "on." If it trips again immediately, stop — that's a serious electrical issue and you'll need a professional.

Step 3: Check the air filter

A completely clogged filter can cause the system to freeze up and stop blowing cold air. Pull the filter out. If it's dirty, replace it. Then turn the system off for about an hour to let any ice on the coils melt before turning it back on.

Step 4: Look at the outdoor unit

Walk outside to the condenser unit (the big box outside). Is the fan spinning? Is it making weird noises? Is it covered in ice (yes, even in summer)? Is there standing water around it? Any of these are signs of a real problem that needs a professional.

Step 5: Check the indoor drain pan and float switch

Many AC systems have a safety switch that shuts the whole system off if the condensate drain backs up. Look near your indoor air handler for a small white PVC pipe and a float switch. If it's full of water, the drain is clogged.

If none of that works, call us

That's what 24/7 emergency service is for. Heat and Air Rescue answers calls around the clock because we know Texas heat doesn't take nights off. Sleeping in an 85-degree house isn't just uncomfortable — for elderly family members, young kids, or anyone with health issues, it's genuinely dangerous.

Tips to stay cool while you wait

• Close all blinds and curtains
• Run ceiling fans (they make you feel cooler even though they don't actually cool the air)
• Move to the lowest floor of the house — heat rises
• Drink cold water and put a damp cloth on your neck
• If it's really bad, head to a 24-hour business or family member's house

We service Gainesville, Cooke County, and the surrounding areas within 100 miles, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No after-hours runaround, no "we'll get to you in three days." When you call (940) 727-1919, we're on our way.