What to do when your AC goes out in a Houston heat wave
Last updated September 2026
Quick answer
Try the quick checks first: thermostat set to Cool, the breaker for the outdoor unit, and the air filter. If you see ice, hear grinding or buzzing, or smell burning, turn the system off. Then call companies that offer 24/7 service, and keep everyone cool while you wait. Heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults, babies, pets and anyone with health problems.
Quick checks before you call
Make sure the thermostat is on Cool and set below the room temperature, and replace its batteries if the screen is blank. Check the breaker for the outdoor unit and the shut-off box next to it. Look at the air filter; a badly clogged one can stop cooling. These take a few minutes and sometimes solve the problem.
When to turn the system off
Turn it off if you see ice on the lines or indoor coil, hear grinding, buzzing or squealing, smell burning, or a breaker trips again after one reset. Running a system in that condition can turn a small repair into a big one.
Who to call and what to say
Call two or three companies that list 24/7 emergency service and ask when they can come and whether there's an after-hours fee. Tell them what you checked, whether the outdoor unit and its fan are running, and whether you saw ice or water. That helps them bring the right parts.
Keeping cool while you wait
Close blinds and curtains on the sunny side, run ceiling and box fans, drink plenty of water, and use the coolest room in the house. Avoid using the oven. If the house gets too hot, go somewhere cool, like a family member's home or a public cooling center; the City of Houston and Harris County open cooling centers during heat emergencies, and you can call 311 to find one.
Know the signs of heat illness
Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea or cramps can mean heat exhaustion: move to a cooler place and drink water. Confusion, a very high body temperature or passing out can mean heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911.
Find a licensed emergency AC repair pro near you
- Emergency AC repair in Houston
- Emergency AC repair in Pasadena
- Emergency AC repair in Richmond
- Emergency AC repair in The Woodlands
What to do when your AC goes out in a Houston heat wave: common questions
Is a broken AC an emergency?
It can be during a heat wave, especially if someone in the home is elderly, very young, pregnant or has a health condition. In those cases, don't wait; get help or go somewhere cool.
Do emergency calls cost more?
Often, yes. Many companies charge extra for nights, weekends and holidays. Ask about the fee when you call so there are no surprises.
What should I do after a power outage?
Set the thermostat to off during the outage. Once power is back and steady, wait a few minutes, then turn the system back on. If it doesn't start normally, call a pro.