Days of Extreme Heat Put Salina Air-Conditioning Systems Under Heavy Strain

Salina’s air conditioners are being pushed to their limits after consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures.

National Weather Service observations at Salina Regional Airport show temperatures reached approximately 108 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday’s heat index climbed above 110 degrees.

The heat is expected to continue. Thursday’s forecast calls for a high near 108 degrees and a heat index as high as 112, followed by highs near 102 Friday and Saturday.

Those conditions mean many local cooling systems are running for extended periods. Air conditioners must move heat from inside a home into already-hot outdoor air, making it more difficult to maintain normal indoor temperatures.

Comfort Heating & Air has seen the effects firsthand.

“We’ve definitely had an influx of calls during the day and an extreme increase in after-hours calls,” said Lauren Arnold, office manager at Comfort Heating & Air.

Arnold said many of this week’s service calls have involved air conditioners that continue to run but produce warm air.

“That can be due to multiple different issues, such as a lack of maintenance or older systems that are worn out and being overworked at 100 percent capacity around the clock,” Arnold said.

Warning Signs Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Even a properly functioning air conditioner may run longer than usual when outdoor temperatures rise above 100 degrees. Certain symptoms, however, can indicate a problem rather than normal operation.

Arnold said homeowners should contact a professional if the system begins making abnormal noises, the indoor temperature rises more than five degrees above the thermostat’s set point, ice develops on the outdoor refrigerant lines or water collects around the furnace.

Other warning signs can include weak or warm airflow, unusual odors, repeated cycling or electrical breaker trips.

Electrical components, refrigerant systems and internal equipment should be inspected by a qualified technician. Homeowners should not attempt those repairs themselves.

Filters and Thermostat Settings Matter

One of the most important steps homeowners can take is also one of the simplest: replace the air filter regularly.

“Replace the filter,” Arnold said. “People don’t understand how critical it is to change your filter at least every two to three months.”

A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder at a time when it is already operating under unusually heavy demand.

Arnold also recommends leaving the thermostat at a consistent setting rather than repeatedly moving it up and down.

“That way, your unit doesn’t have to play catch-up when it gets warmer outside,” she said.

What Cooling Performance Is Realistic?

With outdoor temperatures approaching 108 degrees, some homeowners may wonder whether their system is failing simply because it cannot maintain its normal indoor setting.

Arnold said an indoor temperature approximately 30 degrees below the outdoor temperature can be a realistic expectation during extreme heat.

“Keep in mind that sometimes, in the extreme heat, your thermostat may read a degree or two off,” Arnold said. “That’s because the unit is doing all it can to maintain your set point.”

A home that is not reaching its usual temperature is not necessarily experiencing an equipment failure. Homeowners should consider the system’s airflow, operating sounds, visible ice or water and the size of the difference between the thermostat setting and actual indoor temperature.

Reducing the Strain Through the Weekend

Residents can reduce some of the demand on their cooling systems by keeping exterior doors closed and closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.

Arnold also recommends using household fans to circulate conditioned air more effectively.

“Keep filters clean, doors shut and curtains or blinds closed during peak time,” Arnold said. “If you have fans in the house, run them to help circulate air.”

• Comfort Heating & Air
• Phone: 785-822-7550
• Facebook: Comfort Heating & Air