You can depend on Clifford's HVAC for all of your home and commerical HVAC needs.
What to Do (and What Not to Do) If Your AC Quits in the Middle of a Tennessee Summer
It’s 95 degrees outside. The humidity is thick. And your air conditioner just… stopped.
If your AC gives out during a heatwave, you’re not alone—mid-summer is the busiest time of year for emergency HVAC calls across Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Athens, and Arab. At Clifford’s HVAC, we handle these situations every day, and we want you to know what to do right now to stay safe and minimize damage while you wait for service.
Before you panic, check the simple things first. Some issues can be fixed in minutes.
Quick checks:
✅ Thermostat batteries: Make sure your thermostat is on and set to “cool.”
✅ Circuit breaker: Your AC breaker might have tripped during a power surge.
✅ Air filter: A clogged filter can cause the system to overheat and shut off.
✅ Outdoor unit: Make sure nothing is blocking airflow (leaves, debris, or mulch).
If everything looks normal and it still won’t turn on, call us right away at (256) 924-9313 for emergency service.
If your indoor unit is blowing warm air or no air at all, your coils may be frozen—especially if the system was straining in extreme heat.
What to do:
Turn your AC OFF
Set the fan to ON
Let it thaw for a few hours
Check for a dirty filter or airflow blockages
Running the AC while frozen can cause serious compressor damage—so it’s better to wait.
Heat-related illness is a real risk, especially for the elderly, kids, or pets.
While waiting for repair:
Use fans to circulate air (especially near open windows at night)
Close blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight
Limit cooking, laundry, or any heat-generating appliances
Stay hydrated and avoid heavy activity indoors
Consider going to a friend’s house or public cooling center if it’s unsafe
If someone in your household is medically vulnerable, let us know—we’ll prioritize your service whenever possible.
When the AC fails, it’s tempting to try anything—but some actions can cause bigger problems.
Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Turning the thermostat way down (it won’t cool faster and could cause more strain)
❌ Pouring water or refrigerant into the system
❌ Removing panels or opening up components without training
❌ Repeatedly flipping the breaker (can damage electronics)
If you’re unsure, just give us a call—we’ll walk you through what’s safe to do while help is on the way.
The best way to avoid a breakdown is to catch problems early. Regular tune-ups can reveal failing capacitors, low refrigerant, dirty coils, and worn parts before they shut your system down.
Clifford’s HVAC offers seasonal maintenance and emergency service across North Alabama—so whether your system needs repair or you’re planning ahead, we’re here to help.