Emergency AC repair in Bakersfield

The first hour

1. Look after people first. Babies, older adults, anyone with a heart or lung condition and anyone on medication that affects heat tolerance are at the most risk. If the house is climbing past the mid 80s, move them somewhere cool.
2. Check the breakers. Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off; something is shorting.
3. Check the thermostat and filter. Blank screen means batteries or power. A filter caked with dust can freeze the coil.
4. Ice on the lines? Set the system to off and the fan to on. It can take a few hours to thaw. Don't run the compressor frozen.
5. Call or text us. Say the house has no cooling, how hot it is inside, and whether anyone at risk is home.

Cooling centers in Kern County

Kern County opens cooling centers in the San Joaquin Valley when the National Weather Service forecasts 105°F or higher. Libraries and malls are also options during open hours. If anyone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, hot red skin or a very high body temperature, call 911.

Keeping the house cooler while you wait

• Close blinds and curtains on the west and south sides by early afternoon.
• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise. The CDC says electric fans won't prevent heat illness once it is in the high 90s; at that point a cooler place is safer.
• Stay off the oven and the dryer.
• Drink water before you are thirsty.

What to tell the technician

What the system is doing (no power, fan but no cold air, ice, water, noise), how old it is, and a photo of the outdoor unit's data plate. That helps them bring the right part. Ask what the after-hours or diagnostic fee is before they come out.

How soon someone can come

That depends on the day. On the first 105 degree week of summer every company in town is busy. Say in your request if someone at home is at risk; the company will prioritize it if they can.