Chicago boasts a climate that is packed with unique challenges and considerations for local homeowners. Many of these revolve around climate control and considerations for residential air conditioning systems. Having a clear picture of the impact the local climate will have on HVAC equipment is critical for homeowners who are looking to maximize the efficiency and overall life expectancy of their AC units.
From changing temperatures to fluctuating humidity levels, every aspect of our climate is going to impact how your AC works, and how well it’s able to maintain your comfort. In this post, we’ll dig into these effects so we can provide Chicago residents with practical tips and insights on how to best manage their AC when the weather gets rough.
The Uniquely ‘Illinois’ Climate
Chicago sees a substantial range of weather throughout the year, and during the hotter months, this weather can have a profound effect on air conditioning systems. We typically see cold winters and warm, humid summers, just like the city. In the summer, regular highs in the 80s aren’t unusual, and the high humidity levels can make it even worse. This combination of heat and humidity can put considerable strain on AC units since they have to work harder to make homes and area businesses feel cooler. Not only do they need to remove the heat from the air, but there is a lot of thermal energy in the humidity as well, reducing the overall effectiveness of the unit.
The weather-related challenges aren’t just limited to the high-use seasons, either. Winter brings challenges of its own, with sub-zero freezing being common for long periods. While AC units aren’t in operation during these times, the incredible cold can put additional stress on the components, which can require added protection or maintenance to function properly coming out of winter storage.
How Our Humidity Affects Air Conditioning Performance
The high humidity levels Chicago sees during the summer months can be a significant factor in how AC units function and their operational efficiency. Humidity is simply a measure of the water vapor that’s present in the air, and when the levels are higher, air conditions need to work harder to cool the air because they must also remove moisture.
Since they are far less efficient at removing moisture from the air than removing heat from there, this added strain leads to elevated energy consumption and strain on the AC unit and associated components. This can work to shorten the unit’s lifespan overall.
To fight humidity effectively, homeowners should ensure they’re using a dehumidifier in conjunction with the air conditioning unit to more easily maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level. The ideal indoor humidity level is typically between 40% and 60%. Making sure your AC also has a properly functioning evaporator coil is also important since it is largely responsible for removing moisture from the air as well as cooling it. Keeping it clean can significantly improve its cooling performance.
Finally, make sure windows and doors are kept closed during high-humidity days to prevent moist air from outdoors from getting indoors and lowering the AC efficiency. Take time to look for, and seal, and leaks that you can find around windows and doors to help them be as efficient as possible when it comes to insulating your indoor space from the outdoor space.
Seasonal Challenges and AC Usage
Since Chicago can face such substantial seasonal extremes, it’s important to ensure the AC is ready both for the high-use and high-humidity summer months, as well as for the frigid winter months where it will lie dormant. To give your AC the best shot at being ready to meet these demands, make every effort to have your air conditioning unit professionally serviced in the spring.
This pre-season checkup should involve checking the refrigerant levels, testing the system’s function and performance, and giving everything a general cleaning. This will help prevent breakdowns during peak use scenarios, keeping you cool with less inconvenience.
Once the summer sun has faded a bit, be sure you cover any outdoor components, such as the condenser, with a breathable but waterproof cover to prevent damage from snow, ice, or other seasonal debris from creating potential mechanical issues down the line.
Also, it’s recommended to run the AC occasionally for brief periods, on milder days, to help keep more of the parts moving and lubricated. This helps avoid some of the problems that may be associated with starting up again in the spring.
Maintaining Your AC in a Highly Variable Climate
With a climate as highly variable as ours, it takes special attention to properly maintain your AC unit. One of the keys is regular maintenance. This means cleaning or changing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting mechanical and electrical components to make sure everything’s in good shape. Additionally, homeowners should clear any vegetation or debris from around outdoor units to make sure airflow isn’t blocked.
Energy Efficiency Tips for Chicago Residents
If you live in Chicago and are looking for some actionable tips for boosting your energy efficiency, here are a few.
● Install blackout curtains or similar energy-efficient window treatments to reduce thermal gain on hot days.
● Upgrading to an Energy Star-rated air conditioner or adding smart thermostats can help lower overall energy consumption.
● Ensuring your home’s windows, doors, and roof are all sealed well can stop energy loss through thermal transfer.
Final Thoughts
For residents of Chicago, having a clear understanding of how our climate impacts our air conditioning efficiency is critical for maintaining a comfortable and safe indoor space this summer. By taking steps to actively address the challenges created by the high humidity and significant seasonal temperature changes, residents can boost their AC’s performance and efficiency. Regular maintenance, appropriate upgrades, and energy-efficient practices are all important for maintaining energy efficiency and comfort.
