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The Guardian
11 hours ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
How to get the most out of your window air conditioner during extreme heat
The central and eastern US have been hit with a heatwave this week, with several cities recording their highest temperatures of the year thanks to a 'heat dome'. High humidity and night-time lows are contributing to oppressive and potentially dangerous weather, making it difficult for many people to keep cool. When one's abode starts to feel more like the inside of an armpit, air conditioning can provide sweet relief. But if you live in an older home or apartment, you're less likely to have central air. That means you have to drag out whatever machine you use to keep cool. Most often, this is a window air conditioning unit, says Darcy Carbone, vice-president of sales at APA HVAC Technologies and a member of the residential buildings committee at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. These units cool, circulate, filter and dehumidify air in a home. But using a window unit means more than just sticking it on the sill and letting it rip. Here's what you need to know to use your AC efficiently and safely. Robert Polchinski, a professor at the New York City College of Technology who helps students enter the HVAC industry, agrees that most people opt for a window unit because it is affordable. Double-hung windows – the windows that open and close vertically – are also most suited for a window unit. Alternatively, a portable AC might be more compatible with your needs: for example, if your windows crank outward. However, portable units are typically more expensive, use more energy and are less effective at cooling spaces. When you bring out your AC unit from wherever you stashed it through the winter, it's wise to go through a quick list of check-ups before putting it in the window and flipping the switch. You should repeat these actions at the end of the season, too. Taking the appropriate steps can help your AC unit last longer and protect you from unintended side effects. Clean the filters: Start by cleaning the unit's filter. If you remove the front panel, you'll see the filter, which you can slide out. These are washable, Carbone explains. Shake off any debris, wash the filter by hand with a mild dish detergent, then rinse. If you want to clean your filters again after the unit is in the window, be sure to turn off and unplug the AC first. 'Filters should be washed at the beginning of the season,' Polchinski says. 'Generally, once a year should be enough. But depending on how dirty the air is in the environment, they may need to be cleaned more than once during the season.' Check the coils: Next, Carbone recommends assessing the AC's coils. A unit has two sets of coils: evaporator coils and the condenser coils. Evaporator coils help remove hot air from your home and are located behind the filter. Condenser coils expel heat and are located at the back of the unit, near the vents. You'll want to take care of these before the unit is in the window. Remove the unit's outer casing, then use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean off any dust and debris from the coils, says Polchinski. Allow condensation to drain: Air conditioning units create condensation, and that water has to go somewhere. Some have built-in pans, and some need to be precisely level, while others need to sit at a slope. This last group should be installed so the unit's rear is slightly tilted downward, which helps drain away any condensed water. 'You don't want to accumulate sitting water, which could lead to all kinds of bad scenarios, like a mold build-up or a potential spot for mosquito breeding,' Polchinski says. He also cautions that if the water is warm enough, this could lead to legionella, a type of bacteria that grows in water and can cause sickness. Store the unit correctly: Storage also matters, says Carbone. When summer is over, store the window unit as it would be in the window – don't be tempted to flip it on its side to squeeze it into its winter hiding spot, which can damage the compressor. For a unit to make cold air, indoor air passes through a cooling coil, which results in condensation. This condensation needs to drain; otherwise, it can cause mold growth, explains Amy Li, an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo who studies how to improve indoor air quality. While window unit filters do catch particles like dust and dander, they don't perform the same function as an air purifier, for example, unless the model has been designed specifically to do so. 'The filters used don't remove particles very effectively, so the air isn't necessarily coming out much cleaner than it went in,' says Brent Stephens, a professor at Illinois Institute of Technology who researches indoor air issues. Window units may look like they draw fresh air from outside, but they do not. Because a lack of fresh air increases how much indoor pollutants are inside, Li recommends using a carbon dioxide monitor to assess indoor air or alternating between using the AC and opening windows to encourage natural ventilation. Cleaning the unit's filters can help it stay energy efficient because clogged filters block airflow and cause problems. Dirty filters also increase the chance of mold and mildew growing inside the unit. This can lead to health issues and cause the air that exits the unit to smell musty, explains Li. Some AC units have a drain pan built into the unit to collect condensation. If this pan fills, mold can grow, which could also lead to a bad smell. Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion If drainage or filters don't seem to be an issue, but you still notice a bad smell, Carbone says to open up the unit and clean the coil with bleach. If you try all the above and it still smells funny, 'get rid of it', she says. Part of AC ownership also means knowing when to say goodbye. While window units can last for eight to 10 years, certain signs can indicate that something is amiss. Polchinski explains that an AC may be at the end of its run if 'your electricity bills are running much higher, but the price of electricity hasn't changed'. If your usage hasn't increased much from year to year, that suggests your unit is running less efficiently, he explains. That might mean that the motors are getting weaker, or there could be a 'low charge in the refrigerant, which could be an indication that there's a small leak', Polchinski says. Frozen coils can also be a sign of a slow refrigerant leak, says Carbone. If you have frozen coils, there's likely ice buildup around the coils and the unit isn't efficiently cooling your home. Window units use refrigerant, a chemical cooling agent, to remove heat and humidity from a room. During the process, the refrigerant changes state from liquid to gas. A leak can cause the refrigerant to escape as a gas. If an AC is leaking liquid, that's more likely to be condensation buildup. Older units also simply don't work as well. 'You're just going to be paying for non-efficient equipment,' Carbone says. You can bring an older AC to a specialist to see if they can fix whatever's wrong. But Polchinski says that, because it's expensive to repair and AC units are getting cheaper, 'it probably doesn't pay to repair it'. Carbone doesn't personally recommend getting your AC unit secondhand and says she wouldn't opt for one that's more than five years old. She also advises that you make sure the seller has cleaned the filters and the coils. Polchinski would also look for any signs of damage to the coil, adding, 'I would want to plug it in somewhere and test it – even if it's not in a window – just to make sure that it sounds right.' Listen for loud buzzing, hissing, banging and 'pinging or scraping noises that could be an indication of rotating parts touching something that they shouldn't be touching'. When buying secondhand or new, you'll also want to consider how the AC will work for the size of your room. A bigger unit isn't necessarily better: if it's too large, it will cool the room before removing humidity, making it feel clammy. You can do some simple math to figure out the size you need. Meanwhile, Polchinski says the most energy-efficient units are those that are Energy Star-rated. Carbone says you'll also want to consider what refrigerant the AC uses. Because refrigerants absorb heat, they are helpful in cooling systems, but if they leak, they can contribute to climate change. Newer machines use more environmentally friendly refrigerants. One major mistake Polchinski observes is when 'people turn the AC unit to maximum cold thinking that is going to get the room cooler faster.' He equates it to people 'constantly pressing an elevator button, thinking that's going to make the elevator get somewhere faster'. Ultimately, an AC can only reach a programmed temperature at a certain speed. Temperature control isn't like volume control, he explains. It simply means the compressor keeps running until you get to the selected frigid setting. Another issue is that people tend to cool buildings when it's 'perfectly comfortable outside' or a ceiling fan would be sufficient, says Liz McCormick, an architect, and professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte who's written a book about the impacts of air conditioning. That's not great for the planet, and it changes our tolerance and perception of different conditions. 'It's completely changed the way we live and work,' McCormick says of air conditioning. 'But I do think we can continue to evolve the technology and find ways to balance this modern marvel with the healthful benefits of the outdoors.'
New York Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- New York Times
7 Tips for Managing Extreme Heat
A dangerous heat wave is blanketing much of the central and eastern United States this week, sending temperatures into the triple digits and affecting nearly a hundred million Americans. While many people have heard about the risk of heat stroke, experts say that extreme heat can affect almost every part of your body. Here's what to know, and how to stay safe. 1. Watch Out for Brain Fog Heat can slow down the brain, reducing reaction time, attention and memory, said Dr. Neha Raukar, an emergency medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic. That can mean performing worse on tests as well as having trouble concentrating and being productive at work. The heat can even make people more irritable and aggressive; researchers have observed that more road rage incidents and violent crimes occur when temperatures rise. While the reasons are not entirely clear, experts believe that your brain might be more focused on staying cool than thinking clearly. 2. Make a Plan to Stay Cool Beating the heat can be an all-day challenge. If you don't have air-conditioning, it's smart to take steps like closing the shades, immersing your feet in cold water and wrapping a damp towel with crushed ice around your neck, said Kristie Ebi, a climate epidemiologist at the University of Washington. Fans can also be helpful, but make sure you leave your windows open so that you don't turn your house into a convection oven, she added. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Terrifying video shows melting road explode under midwestern heatwave
In a chilling moment caught on video, a heatwave-scorched Missouri road buckled under extreme heat - hurling a car into the air as the asphalt ruptured beneath it. As the first days of summer arrived, a ridge of high pressure settled over the central US, triggering a heatwave across several states - including Missouri - where officials warned of heat index values reaching past 100 degrees, expected to persist through Tuesday. The scorching heat made its power unmistakably clear on Sunday afternoon, when a section of Siemers Drive gave way beneath a moving car, sending it soaring into the air, as reported by ABC News. 'Please drive carefully and be mindful of city workers who will be out repairing streets,' the City of Cape Giradeau warned, according to the outlet. Just before 3pm Sunday afternoon, video footage captured a gray Toyota traveling past a car dealership situated along the road, as reported by KFVS News. What seemed like a smooth, unbroken stretch of road quickly turned ominous as a long crack crept along the white line - a subtle but foreboding sign of the disaster to come. In less than a second, the road suddenly warped and buckled with a loud, thudding sound as the pavement beneath surged upward, forming a dangerous, jagged rise on the residential street - just as the Toyota driver approached. Unable to stop in time, the car struck the jagged rise at full speed, catapulting into the air - its four tires momentarily suspended - before miraculously sticking the landing on the flat road just ahead. The incident has been attributed to the state's intense heatwave. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures cause the road's surface materials to expand, and without enough space to relieve this pressure, the pavement can buckle - resulting in sudden rises or cracks. Images of the broken road revealed a gaping black void below, where the pavement had fully lifted off the ground - exposing a deep hole underneath. Following the incident, a modest police presence secured the area as the road was temporarily closed to address safety hazards. The city's Public Works Department responded promptly, removing damaged concrete and quickly replacing it with fresh asphalt. As crews worked to fix the damaged road - lined with 'caution' signs - traffic was rerouted through a nearby parking lot to keep vehicles moving safely. Tens of millions of people are now under extreme heat advisories, as a heat dome shifted more towards the Northeast and away from the Midwest. A heat dome - a high-pressure system that traps hot air and blocks cooler air - is driving prolonged heat waves across the US. New York City, Boston and Philadelphia issued extreme heat warnings that went into effect on Sunday, while Washington DC and Baltimore's warnings began on Monday. These areas are expected to see temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, lasting at least until the middle of the week. Now, East Coasters are being warned that failing to properly prepare for the scorching heat could have serious - and potentially dangerous - consequences. 'Summer in the city is here - and so is our first heat wave of the year,' NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced at a Saturday press conference. 'This extreme heat will not just be uncomfortable and oppressive, it will be brutal and it will be dangerous to those who spend extended periods outside.' Calling the potentially record-breaking heat wave 'deadly and life-threatening,' he outlined New York City's plan to protect residents - especially those most at risk. When temperatures are forecasted to reach 95 degrees or higher for one or more days, or 100 degrees or higher for two or more days, the NYC Department of Social Services issues a Code Red Alert. Under the alert, those 'experiencing heat-related discomfort' can visit designated shelters to get a break from the sweltering conditions outside. The groups particularly at risk of heat-related illnesses include people aged 60 and over, young children and those with pre-existing health conditions. New York City Emergency Management Department Zach Iscol said the city is rolling out its emergency response on Sunday, offering 248 cooling shelters to vulnerable New Yorkers. These locations include libraries and other community spaces. Iscol also urged people to 'take the heat seriously' by staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor tasks and finding places to cool off. Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston has also warned her residents of the heat's severity. Boston has 'splash pads' open at playgrounds and parks around the city, as well as public pools and cooling centers. Meanwhile, Philadelphia's health commissioner, Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, issued a Heat Health Emergency in the Pennsylvania city. Extreme heat has been a leading cause of all weather-related deaths over the last 30 years. The National Weather Service urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Planning an electric vehicle road trip this summer? Make sure you don't get caught in a charging desert.
It's never been a better time to drive an electric vehicle in the U.S. There are over 72,000 public charging stations across the country, up from about 14,000 just a decade ago. Still, 40% of Americans say concerns about charging time and availability are major reasons they wouldn't buy an EV, according to an AP poll from last year. Charging deserts are prevalent throughout the central U.S., especially the northern Plains states. However, EV corridors now connect many major cities like Dallas and San Antonio, and Los Angeles and San Francisco. These corridors follow along major highways with ports every 50 miles that can charge EVs in 20 minutes to an hour. With a little more planning, and perhaps rest time for slower charging stations, EV drivers can also complete routes beyond these official corridors, utilizing one of the 61,000 non-DC fast chargers. Yahoo News used data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center to create the above map showing where EV charging stations, and deserts, are located across the country.
Globe and Mail
09-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Nat-Gas Prices Slip as US Weather Forecasts Moderate
July Nymex natural gas (NGN25) on Wednesday closed down by -0.006 (-0.16%). July nat-gas prices on Wednesday posted modest losses as temperature forecasts moderated across the central and eastern US, which could curb nat-gas demand from electricity providers to run air-conditioning. Forecaster Atmospheric G2 stated on Wednesday that forecasts shifted cooler across the southern half of the US, with a large portion of the central and eastern US expected to be cooler than normal for June 9-13. Nat-gas prices were also under pressure Wednesday on expectations for a larger-than-seasonal build in nat-gas supplies. The consensus is that Thursday's weekly EIA nat-gas inventories will climb by +110 bcf for the week ended May 30, above the five-year average of +98 bcf for this time of year. Lower-48 state dry gas production Wednesday was 103.9 bcf/day (+2.2% y/y), according to BNEF. Lower-48 state gas demand Wednesday was 69.2 bcf/day (-5.6% y/y), according to BNEF. LNG net flows to US LNG export terminals Wednesday were 13.3 bcf/day (-4.9% w/w), according to BNEF. A decline in US electricity output is negative for nat-gas demand from utility providers. The Edison Electric Institute reported Wednesday that total US (lower-48) electricity output in the week ended May 31 fell -1.8% y/y to 76,711 GWh (gigawatt hours), although US electricity output in the 52-week period ending May 31 rose +3.28% y/y to 4,248,428 GWh. Last Thursday's weekly EIA report was bearish for nat-gas prices since nat-gas inventories for the week ended May 23 rose +101 bcf, right on expectations, but above the 5-year average build for this time of year of +98 bcf. As of May 23, nat-gas inventories were down -11.7% y/y and +3.9% above their 5-year seasonal average, signaling adequate nat-gas supplies. In Europe, gas storage was 49% full as of June 2, versus the 5-year seasonal average of 60% full for this time of year. Baker Hughes reported last Friday that the number of active US nat-gas drilling rigs in the week ending May 30 rose +1 to 99 rigs, modestly above the 4-year low of 94 rigs posted on September 6, 2024. Active rigs have fallen since posting a 5-1/2 year high of 166 rigs in Sep 2022, up from the pandemic-era record low of 68 rigs posted in July 2020 (data since 1987).
