Extreme heat puts strain on air conditioning units, companies
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for Thursday and Friday as the heat indexes is likely to near 110 degrees.
In extreme heat, air conditioning systems have been working harder, causing wear and tear to speed up, according to an article by the Wall Street Journal.
Lennox International, an equipment manufacturer, figures that when an air conditioner experiences higher usage levels, the median life of the unit is reduced by about 20%.
The summer of 2020 also took a toll on air conditioning units as more people worked from home and used their air conditioning units more, according to the Wall Street Journal. Lennox International said in the article that residential air conditioners ran 30% more in 2020 than they did in 2019.
HVAC repair companies advise residents to check their AC filters and clean air ducts before extreme heat hits. Air filters should typically be replaced monthly.
Tony Farinella, of Hallsville, has been awaiting AC repair for weeks.
"My wife and I are, we're writers, we do marketing writing, but we both work from home," he said. "So as you can imagine, it's been pretty miserable and we're trying to work and sweats coming off of us, but you know, I don't know how long it's been since we've had this heat this high, but it's been a challenge."
Ameren also gave some tips to stay cool and cause less stress on your air conditioner, including: creating a breeze, keeping air vents clear, close window shades, utilize alternative cooking methods (such grilling outside to use less energy), program a thermostat and utilize cooling centers.
Cooling centers are available around the state to stay cool in extreme heat, including Columbia locations such as:
- Daniel Boone Regional Library – 100 West Broadway Street
- St. Francis House – 901 Rangeline Street
- The Salvation Army Columbia Corps Community Center – 1108 West Ash Street
- The Salvation Army Harbor House – 602 Ann Street
- Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services – 1005 West Worley Street
"Closed curtains and blinds help keep rooms cooler and prevent the loss of cool air. Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%," Ameren said in a Wednesday press release.
