It’s the hottest day of the year, and there goes your air conditioning.  Before you dismiss this common summertime occurrence as a cruel case of Murphy’s Law, consider that you might be responsible for the breakdown.

When temperatures sizzle, the natural impulse is to lower the thermostat well below the comfort zone to help the air conditioning beat the heat.  Here’s why this plan usually backfires.  These units are already operating in overdrive to cool 90-100+ degree air.  Setting the thermostat as low as it will go adds undue and often intolerable stress to a unit whose capacity is already maxed out.

Whether at home or the office, keep your thermostat close to normal but certainly no lower than 67-68 degrees.  Take green measures to keep your space cool, including drawing the window coverings, turning lights off and minimizing door openings and closings to the outside.  This strategy should keep you as cool as possible during the heat wave, in addition to preserving workplace productivity and avoiding the expense and wait-time for repairs.

Heat Woes:  Part II
While we’re on the topic, we should mention another heat-related maintenance issue you might experience:  condensation.  The humidity level and cool air running through your duct work can add up to excessive condensation.  The result is damp ceiling tiles, water dripping from vents or, in extreme cases, water trickling down walls.  These issues are often mistaken for roof leaks.  Unfortunately, there is no remedy for condensation, but you should alert your landlord or look into the matter if it is your property to ensure a larger issue isn’t looming.

Best of luck keeping your workplace and home cool and dry.