07/02/2026
☀️ Public Service Announcement from Whetzel’s Heating and Air.
Obviously Ohio has been experiencing some serious heat lately, and I wanted to share a few things you should know about your air conditioning system.
🏠 Standard indoor comfort design conditions are approximately 75°F at 50% relative humidity.
🌡️ The summer outdoor design temperature for Southeast Ohio is generally around 91-92F depending on your exact location. This is called the 1% design temperature, meaning outdoor temperatures are below this level about 99% of the cooling season.
So, what happens when temperatures climb above that?
1️⃣ Your air conditioner may run continuously.
This is completely normal. During extreme heat, a properly functioning system may run all day and well into the evening as it works to offset the heat entering your home.
2️⃣ Your indoor temperature may drift a few degrees above your thermostat setting.
This can also be normal during extreme weather. Your air conditioner was designed around specific outdoor conditions, and when Mother Nature pushes beyond those conditions, the indoor temperature may slowly rise a few degrees above your setpoint.
❄️ One more important tip: Turning your thermostat from 72° down to 68° won’t cool your home any faster. Your thermostat isn’t an accelerator pedal—it simply tells the system when to run. If your system is already running continuously, lowering the setting won’t increase its cooling capacity.
Here are a few things you can do to help your air conditioner during this heat wave:
✅ Keep blinds and curtains closed on windows receiving direct sunlight.
✅ Avoid using the oven, clothes dryer, and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day whenever possible.
✅ Keep exterior doors and windows closed as much as possible.
✅ Replace your air filter if it’s due. A clean filter helps your system move air more efficiently.
✅ If you have ceiling fans, use them. They don’t lower the room temperature, but they help you feel cooler and may allow you to remain comfortable at a slightly higher thermostat setting.
✅ Make sure your outdoor unit is free of grass clippings, leaves, and other debris so it can reject heat efficiently.
If your system is blowing warm air, freezing up, won’t run, or stops cooling altogether, then it’s time to have it checked.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and remember—your air conditioner is working hard right alongside you during this heat wave!
