At what temperature is no AC an emergency?

Author: Ottilie Beahan  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

A broken air conditioner may be considered an emergency in any of the following situations: Your AC has broken down on an extremely hot day (above 90 degrees) You have young children, elderly adults, or immune-compromised people in your home that may be sensitive to excessive heat.

Is having no AC considered an emergency?

Just like the lack of heating in winter, having no A/C in the summer is also considered an emergency maintenance issue. As temperatures rise, staying in your apartment without working A/C isn't just unpleasant; it could also be potentially dangerous.

At what temperature should you not run your air conditioner?

But you shouldn't run your AC if the temperature is below 60°F. Heat pumps: Modern heat pumps are effective at around 25 to 30°F. Ductless mini-splits: Avoid using the cooling function when temperatures fall below 60°F.

Is no AC an OSHA violation?

There is no law in CA mandating a workplace provide air conditioning. Under OSHA regulations, they state only that an employer must provide a safe workplace, but they too do not mandate air conditioning.

At what temperature will an AC unit freeze?

Air conditioners are graduated to run within an ideal set of temperature thresholds. If you are operating your AC when the outdoor air is below 60 degrees, then the air pressure inside your unit will fall, and this can cause your Central Air Conditioner to freeze up.

What is Emergency Heat Mode And When To Use It On A Heat Pump

Will my AC freeze at 68?

Using Your AC When It's Too Cold Outside

Lastly, if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees, and your AC's temperature is set below 68 degrees, this can cause the evaporator coils to freeze as there is not enough warm air in the house for the AC to sufficiently cool.

At what temperature AC stops working?

What temperature is too hot for an air conditioner to work effectively? Most air conditioners have a maximum temperature limit of around 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I refuse to work with no AC?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has no official rules or limits on temperature regulation in the workplace. American industries are simply too varied for blanket rules, with equipment and materials that require different temperatures to function properly.

At what temperature is it illegal to work outside?

While there are no specific federal regulations about working in extreme cold or heat, you do have a right to a workplace “free from recognized hazards .” That includes exposure to extreme cold and heat.

What indoor temperature is an OSHA violation?

According to the new standards, all indoor places of employment where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit or above must comply with regulations around access to water, cool-down areas, acclimatization, training, and more.

What is the 20 degree rule for AC?

Simply put, it means you should never set your thermostat for a temperature more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Why not? Most air conditioning systems can only handle a 20-degree difference between the outside and inside air temperatures.

Is it bad to run AC below 70 degrees?

Do not set your thermostat below 70 degrees as it will not cool any faster and could freeze up the system causing more problems. Understand that there is generally a 20 degree difference between indoor air and outside temperatures.

How cold is too cold to run?

And sometimes it may simply be too cold to run—period. Temperatures below -8 degrees Fahrenheit can increase your risk of frostbite and hypothermia, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, and it's possible for tissue injury to occur in less than 30 minutes in these conditions.

What temperature is considered an emergency for AC?

A broken air conditioner may be considered an emergency in any of the following situations: Your AC has broken down on an extremely hot day (above 90 degrees) You have young children, elderly adults, or immune-compromised people in your home that may be sensitive to excessive heat.

Is it bad to sleep in a house with no AC?

Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. But in addition to making you uncomfortable and interfering with healthy sleep patterns, being too hot at any time of day or night can cause health risks like dehydration and heat stroke.

Who should I call if my AC is not working?

If the breaker for your HVAC unit has tripped, reset it and see if your AC starts working again. If the circuit continues to trip, then there is a safety problem—call an HVAC service technician or an electrician.

What are the OSHA regulations for air conditioning?

Air treatment is defined under the engineering recommendations as, "the removal of air contaminants and/or the control of room temperature and humidity." OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of 68-76° F and humidity control in the range of 20%-60%.

How hot are too hot working conditions?

CALIFORNIA OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS BOARD

Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment. (a) Scope and Application. (1) This section applies to all indoor work areas where the temperature equals or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present.

Is working without AC an OSHA violation?

OSHA does not require employers to provide air conditioning for workspaces. OSHA does recommend temperature control in the range of 68-76°F.

Can you legally leave work if it's too hot?

OSHA understands that a comfortable temperature for one person might be too hot or too cold for another. Because of this, they cannot designate one specific workplace temperature; however, OSHA does have some workplace temperature regulations, stating that employers set the thermostat between 68 and 78 degrees.

Would AC not working be an emergency?

If your AC unit refuses to turn on despite multiple attempts, it's crucial to consider it an emergency. A complete system failure could be due to electrical issues, motor failure, or a malfunctioning compressor.

How hot is too hot to work without AC?

In these higher-heat conditions, employers must take steps to reduce the temperature and heat index to below 87°F (or temperature to below 82°F for employees working in clothes that restrict heat removal or high radiant heat areas).

What temperature is too cold to run AC?

The lowest outside temperature at which to run your AC is typically around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below this range, your air conditioner might not operate efficiently, causing increased energy consumption and potential strain on the system.

Should I run my AC if it's not cooling?

Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can strain the compressor and other components, leading to more severe and costly repairs.

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