If you’ve turned on the national news this week, you’ve seen the stories: A massive “heat dome” is causing record-breaking temperatures across the Midwest and Northeast. Cities that normally have mild early summers are sweltering, with heat indexes well over 100°F. To folks living in those areas, that’s a big-time heat wave.
For those of us here in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch, there’s a certain familiarity to it all. While our friends and family up north are getting an unfortunate taste of extreme heat, it’s a reality we prepare for every year. This national event, however, is the perfect reminder of a crucial difference in how we experience summer and why we can never take our home comfort for an AC system for granted.
A Heat Wave Happens Every Day In Florida!
Think of it this way: for much of the country, a heat wave is a sudden, shocking sprint. Their air conditioning systems are called into emergency service for a week or two, pushed to their absolute limits.
Here in Florida, our air conditioners run a grueling marathon. From May through September (and often longer), they are in a state of sustained, high demand. There is no “off-season” for them in the summer. This constant grinding work is a different kind of stress, and it’s one that requires endurance and preparation. A system that isn’t in peak condition might make it through a short sprint, but it’s far more likely to fail during a months-long marathon.
Have You Gotten “Heat Blind”?
It’s easy to get used to our normal version. A 92°F day with high humidity doesn’t trigger a weather alert here, but it’s still incredibly hot and demands a lot from our HVAC systems. It’s easy to become complacent, ignoring the small warning signs from our AC units because they’re still “mostly working.” But an AC failure during our “normal” summer heat is just as much of an emergency as it is anywhere else.
Key Signs of System Strain to Watch For
As your system runs its summer marathon, be on the lookout for signs that it’s getting tired. Catching these early can be the difference between a simple tune-up and a full system replacement in the middle of July.
- Constantly Running: Is your AC running all day but struggling to reach the temperature you’ve set?
- Unusual Noises: Squealing, grinding, or loud clanking are cries for help from your system’s mechanical parts.
- Weak Airflow: Do you feel very little air coming out of your vents, even when the system is on?
- Rising FPL Bills: A sudden, unexplained spike in your electricity bill is often the first sign that your AC is losing efficiency and working much harder than it should.
- Excess Moisture: Puddles of water near your indoor unit can indicate a clogged drain line, which can cause significant water damage and shut your system down.
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to get a service call from our team. Call us at 941-297-0089 to get the process started.
Your Summer Readiness Plan
The national news is a valuable reminder that reliable air conditioning isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for health and safety. Don’t wait for your system to fail during the longest and hottest stretch of our Florida summer.
At D&D Air, our philosophy is built on expert, honest service. We believe in preventative care to keep your system running strong. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or if your system is over 8-10 years old and you’re concerned about its endurance, give us a call. Our expert technicians can perform a full system tune-up or provide a free, no-pressure assessment of your system’s health.
We Can Help You Weather Sarasota’s Every Day Heat Wave
The story of the national heat wave is one of preparedness. Let’s make sure you’re prepared for our own summer marathon.
To schedule a service or a free, no-obligation system assessment, call D&D Air today at 941-297-0089.
