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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.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Chuck Schumer rushed to the hospital amid DC heatwave
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was rushed to the hospital for dehydration as scorching temperatures in Washington, D.C., reach 100 degrees. The senator, 74, was at the Senate gym in the morning and reportedly 'got lightheaded,' according to his office. The top Democrat was taken to the hospital 'out of an abundance of caution,' his office continued in a statement. He's now back to work at the Capitol after being treated for dehydration. Over 170 million Americans are roasting under a giant heat dome that is sending temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the eastern U.S. AccuWeather is calling this the first widespread heat wave of the year, with 25 states falling under this 'record-challenging' event. The average age of government leaders has been highly scrutinized in recent months as members of Congress of both political parties have experienced health scares, with some dying in office. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, 83, fell back in February and was subsequently seen using a wheelchair. He also experienced a fall in December of 2024 which resulted in a sprained wrist. Also back in December, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, fell during a trip to Luxembourg, and subsequently underwent hip replacement surgery. Virginia Democrat Congressman Gerry Connolly died at the age of 75 last month, shortly after sharing that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Over the past 14 months, five other Democratic members of Congress also died while serving out their terms. Connolly's colleague Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died at the age of 70 in March from unknown reasons. His passing came amid reports he was battling cancer in his jaw since before election in November 2024.
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.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Climate
- Fox News
How to stay cool as potentially deadly heat dome surges through US
A major heat wave is surging through the U.S., starting in the eastern half this week with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. The heat wave could challenge record highs as 28 states are receiving alerts for dangerous temperatures. Whether you're at home or on the go, a good fan does more than just circulate air – it creates a cool environment wherever you are. Keep scrolling to find 10 fans to keep you comfortable. If you're staying around the house, these fans can help keep the temperatures cool indoors without breaking the bank on the electric bill. Original price: $469.99 This Dyson fan combines sleek, modern aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to deliver cool air with minimal sound. Choose between direct cooling or a gentle breeze, or set a timer to create intervals from 15 minutes to nine hours. This tower fan oscillates 90 degrees and features four speeds and a timer. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original Price: $44.99 This 16-inch Amazon Basics fan delivers powerful airflow to medium and large rooms. With a remote control that toggles between three speed and breeze modes, the entire experience is customizable. You can also adjust the height and tilt for targeted cooling. This Bauer fan is your answer if you need cordless, powerful airflow for larger groups or open-air areas. It runs on 20V lithium batteries or AC power, delivering strong, wide-reaching wind with two speed settings. Built to withstand job-site conditions, it's also perfect for outdoor events. Ryobi also makes a reliable one with a rotating head, an option to clamp in place and 40 hours of run time on one charge. Original price: $39.99 This box fan has three-speed fan control to optimize air circulation and improve air flow. You can also buy it at Walmart. Original Price: $13.99 This compact powerhouse delivers strong airflow whether at home or on-the-go. Slip it into your backpack for a sporting event or day at a theme park, or use it for an extra boost of relief while cooking or working out indoors. Another option is this hanging Amacool fan, which can be charged and taken with you anywhere inside or outside. Original price: $24.99 This small but mighty fan folds down to fit in almost any bag and delivers robust air circulation. Set it up at home for a blast of cool air at your desk, on your bedside table or on the kitchen counter. If you plan to be out and about, you can stay cool with these options that are easy to carry with you. Original Price: $17.99 This handheld mini fan is a convenient choice for on-the-go. It can be recharged and it can be used as a power bank or a flashlight. This fan includes a water misting feature. This compact fan is a slim, rechargeable marvel intended to keep you cool. It fits in most bags and backpacks and has 100 different speeds. With the rechargeable battery, you'll have reliable cooling whether plugged into a laptop, power bank or running purely on battery. If you like this style, consider this handheld option to stash in your pocket. Original Price: $35.98 This neck fan combines innovative design with practicality. The five-speed fan wraps comfortably around your neck like headphones and blasts cool air up at your face. It's blade-less, so it's safe for everyone, including children. Amazon has a similar option with three speeds. Designed with little ones in mind, this mini fan features flexible tripod legs that securely attach to strollers, car seats or cribs. Rechargeable and equipped with multiple speed settings, this fan ensures that your little ones stay cool and comfortable no matter where you are. If you prefer blade-less instead, consider this one. For more deals, visit A heat wave classic, the spray bottle fan offers relief in the form of a cold mist and a powerful fan. With the help of a battery-powered motor (you'll need two AA batteries), you can give yourself a refresh anytime, anywhere.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat dome to bring record-breaking temps to NYC, much of Northeast
The city that never sleeps should get ready to sweat. The summer solstice is set to arrive on Friday, marking the start of the sunniest season of the year. The first full week of summer will also bring with it New York's first heat wave. It will begin in the mid-90s on Sunday, courtesy of 'a strong bubble of high pressure' — called a 'heat dome' — that is expected to envelop much of the eastern U.S., according to the Weather Channel. It will stave off the clouds, and in turn, the City's chances for rain, resulting in intense sunshine and a devastating humidity that will make conditions outside all the more uncomfortable. What's more, there's little sign of relief in sight. The intense heat is expected to last at least through the next 10 days or so, bringing with it record-breaking warmth for New York, where temperatures could climb into the triple digits in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service, the 'hottest temperatures are likely this weekend into the first half of next week,' with 'moderate risk of extreme heat' to follow. On Monday, it will begin to approach 100 degree weather, with a high of 97 in the forecast. And then, on Tuesday, temperatures could peak at around 101 degrees in NYC, with a string of upper-90 degree weather days after that, the NWS said. Nationwide, temperatures are forecast to shoot past 90 degrees for around 220 million people, while an additional 35 million people could face temps exceeding 100 degrees next week. The heat will be particularly fierce over the weekend across huge swaths of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. Experts have warned residents, especially the elderly and disabled, to avoid going outside in the peak heat, noting that 'heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in 'hundreds of fatalities' each year. As of early Thursday, extreme heat watches, warnings and advisories were already issued for much of the Southwest, Rockies, Plains, Upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast — and they're only likely to expand in the coming days. The rapid warm-up also brings with it the potential for a severe thunderstorm or two in the earlier evening hours, but the rain is expected to end before Friday, clearing the way for a sunny and warm weekend. Temperatures on Saturday will hover in the mid- to upper 80s before the heat wave strikes. With News Wire Services
