First: stay safe
- Close blinds on sunny windows and use fans.
- Drink water and avoid heavy activity in the hottest hours.
- Check on older neighbors and relatives.
- Call 211 for cooling center locations during a heat event.
Heat illness is an emergency. Confusion, fainting, a very high body temperature or no sweating in the heat: call 911.
Then: quick checks
- Thermostat on Cool, batteries good.
- Breakers for both indoor and outdoor units.
- Filter not clogged.
- Ice on the lines? Turn cooling off and run the fan only until it thaws.
Request help
Send a request marked "Emergency" and a participating contractor will follow up. In a regional heat wave, every contractor gets busy, so describe the problem clearly: what the system is doing, its age, and any codes on the thermostat.
FAQ
Is a broken AC an emergency?
It can be, especially for older adults, infants, people with health conditions, and pets. If anyone shows signs of heat illness, call 911.
Do HVAC contractors charge more for after-hours service?
Many do. Ask about after-hours or weekend rates when you schedule.
Where can I go to cool off?
Sacramento County opens cooling centers during extreme heat. Check the county's website or call 211 for locations.