Heatwave Service Calls: Addressing Customer Concerns When Temps Exceed Design Conditions
Every seasoned HVAC contractor knows that when temperatures soar during a summer heatwave, so does the volume of incoming calls from customers complaining that their air conditioning system isn’t sufficiently cooling their home or business. Some of these complaints are, of course, due to a malfunctioning A/C system, but when temperatures reach the upper 90°s or higher, it’s quite likely that temperatures and RH exceed ASHRAE design conditions. Once mechanical issues have been ruled out, there’s not much that can be done other than educating the customer and giving them suggestions that may help lower indoor temperatures.
“The thermostat is set at 70°F, but the temperature won’t go below 76°. My A/C unit must be broken!”
Air conditioning systems are sized according to what’s known as the ASHRAE design conditions for the local climate. The “design temperature” means that, on average, outdoor temperatures will exceed this temperature for about 88 hours per year, and it’s during these times that air conditioning systems will struggle. Properly sized A/C systems can typically maintain a difference of 20-22°F between outdoor and indoor temperatures, so when it’s 98° outside, an indoor temperature of 76-78° is to be expected.
“Is there anything I can do to help keep my house cooler during a heatwave?”
There are a number of things home and business owners can do to ensure their air conditioning system is running optimally during a heatwave. In addition to making sure return filters are clean:
- Set the furnace circulating fan to run on High
- Set thermostats to the Auto position rather than “On” as there is a big difference in CFM between the two settings
- Check to make sure that return grills are not blocked by furniture, drapes, or other objects that can restrict airflow
- Minimize stovetop cooking and avoid using the oven on very hot days
- Keep window treatments closed during peak daylight hours, especially in sun-facing rooms
- Ceiling fans should be set to spin counterclockwise to create a cooling downdraft
- Make sure your attic ventilation system is working, whether it’s mechanical or a ridge vent
- A basement dehumidifier can help alleviate moisture and humidity in the home
HVAC technicians can also recommend checking for hot and cold spots in the home, in which case airflow adjustments may be required to maintain more-consistent indoor temperatures, and some customers may even be open to considering the installation of a ductless mini-split system.
About E.P. Homiek
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal Fabrication & HVAC Supply, with two convenient locations in Lakewood, NJ and Union, NJ, provides one- to two-day turnaround on all residential and light commercial ductwork, as well as one- to two-hour emergency fabrication service, rapid delivery, and competitive prices. HVAC parts, supplies, and equipment lines include Goodman, Resideo/Honeywell, Bryant, Bradford White, Crown Boiler, Daikin, Weil-McLain, Sea Breeze, Generac, Fantech, ZM, A.O. Smith, Hart & Cooley, Malco, Mueller, York Commercial, and many more.
