When Your AC Fails During a Bay Area Heat Wave: Your Emergency Response Guide for Atherton Residents

Living in Atherton means enjoying one of California’s most prestigious communities, but even in this affluent Bay Area enclave, air conditioning failures during heat waves can create serious emergencies. When the Bay Area had a major heat wave in 2017, 79% of people killed by heat began to get sick at home. In Contra Costa and in Santa Clara counties, homes that had their temperature and humidity measured over a period of time became hotter inside than out, and held onto heat longer. At night, houses might be 15–20 degrees warmer inside than it is outside.

Understanding Bay Area Heat Wave Risks

You don’t need triple-digit temperatures for heat to be a threat in the Bay Area. It takes almost two weeks for your body to acclimate to the heat, making sudden temperature spikes particularly dangerous for residents who aren’t prepared.

Those most vulnerable are older adults, infants and children — who don’t sweat as efficiently as younger adults. Other vulnerable populations include those with underlying conditions, such as heart and lung issues, asthma, obesity and diabetes. If the nights also remain unusually warm during a heat wave, people don’t cool down as readily during sleep. So heat continues to build up in their bodies day after day as temperatures rise.

Immediate Steps When Your AC Fails

When your air conditioning system fails during an Atherton heat wave, don’t panic. Follow these critical first steps:

Quick Troubleshooting

• Check the thermostat. It’s possible the thermostat was accidentally turned off or set to heat instead of cool.
• Check the circuit breaker. A power surge or nearby lightning strike may have temporarily cut off your power supply. You may be able to restore power to your system just by flipping a switch back on.
• Turn off power to the AC unit. If it’s not the thermostat and not the breaker, then just go ahead and cut off power to your HVAC system at the breaker box.

Immediate Safety Measures

If there are any people or pets in your home who could experience life-threatening consequences from excessive heat, get them moved as soon as possible to a cooler location. That could be someone else’s home, a hotel, or even a library, church or big box store for a few hours. Anywhere with air conditioning is better than a place with no air conditioning.

Creating a Cool Zone in Your Home

While waiting for professional help, implement these strategies to maintain bearable temperatures:

Block Heat Sources

Focus your attention on your windows and glass doors. According to the Department of Energy, 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. Prevent this heat gain in your home by closing all of your curtains and blinds.

This includes lights! You don’t want to add extra heat into the home if it’s not necessary. Shut off entertainment systems, monitors, etc. Don’t do any loads of wash (which will also send humidity into the air) and avoid using the stove or oven.

DIY Cooling Solutions

This sounds complex, but it’s actually easy if you have room fans and some ice cubes in the freezer. Place the ice cubes in a bowl, then place the bowl in front of the fan. As the air blows over the ice, it will lose heat and you’ll receive genuinely cooler air for a good stretch.

Here’s an old-fashioned method of cooling the inside of a building that goes back to ancient Egypt, when hanging wet reeds over windows helped people stay cool. Wet down a towel with cold water from the sink and then drape it before an open window. The air coming in will be cooler thanks to the evaporative cooling effect from the water.

When to Call for Emergency Service

An HVAC emergency is when the heating and air conditioning system is malfunctioning, or completely quits working when the temperatures are at a dangerous point. For a residential structure, an outdoor temperature of 90 degrees would be considered a temperature level to request an emergency AC repair service call.

For Atherton residents facing an AC emergency, professional ac repair atherton services are available 24/7 to restore your comfort quickly and safely.

Professional Emergency Response

Eco Air Cooling and Heating understands the unique challenges Bay Area residents face during heat emergencies. Eco Air Cooling and Heating LLC is your local HVAC company, offering honest, straightforward solutions to keep your home comfortable. We’re known for prompt service and lasting results.

When we say emergency service, we mean it. Our technicians carry the most common parts and tools needed for urgent repairs, so there’s a good chance we can get your system running again on the first visit. We prioritize emergency calls during extreme heat events because we know how uncomfortable and potentially dangerous it can be without air conditioning.

Community Resources During Heat Emergencies

Try to stay in air-conditioned spaces, at home with your A/C set between 75-80 degrees, or at your local library, shopping mall, or community center. County libraries are open as Cooling & Warming Centers during regular business hours. San José community centers and libraries are open during regular business hours for residents to stay cool. Visit bit.ly/sjcommunitycenters for a list of community centers and hours they are open, and www.sjpl.org/locations for a list of libraries and hours they are open.

Prevention is Key

The best way to do that is by making sure your AC gets professional maintenance annually. Some time during spring is usually preferable because you won’t be heavily relying on your AC yet, and if there’s a problem with the equipment, you’ll have time to solve it before summer arrives.

Our tune-ups, repairs, and system upgrades deliver noticeable air quality improvements, better efficiency, and dependable comfort year-round. Know your total cost before we start—no hidden charges or surprise fees. We arrive within your appointment window and alert you of any delays.

Stay Prepared for the Next Heat Wave

Atherton’s Mediterranean climate means heat waves are an inevitable part of summer living. By understanding emergency protocols, knowing when to seek professional help, and having a reliable HVAC partner, you can protect your family’s comfort and safety when temperatures soar.

While the primary focus is on immediate actions and emergency services, consider these additional tips for long-term preparedness and comfort: Backup Cooling Options: Invest in portable air conditioning units or evaporative coolers as a backup in case your central AC system fails.

Remember, during a Bay Area heat emergency, swift action and professional expertise can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious health risk. Stay cool, stay safe, and know that help is just a phone call away.