RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A heat advisory Thursday and Friday is leaving HVAC units in Central Virginia struggling.
HVAC systems are working double duty to cool indoor spaces as well as pull moisture out of the air. Calls to companies like James River Air Conditioning have surged.
“The big difference with this heat wave versus the ones we experienced earlier in the summer was this one comes with a lot of humidity," said Travis Riddle, operations manager at James River Air Conditioning Co. “So your air conditioner really has a lot to work on. Not only the temperature in your home but also removing the humidity."
And all that work can show up on your power bill. According to Energy Star, nearly 50% of energy use in homes goes toward heating and cooling. Riddle said these systems are only designed to work within certain parameters.
The two most common complaints the company receives are no cooling and increased humidity levels indoors.
With many back in school over the past few weeks, several schools in Henrico County have seen HVAC issues and high temperatures in classrooms. Here’s Riddle’s best advice:
“Preventative maintenance is key to the system working long-term," Riddle said.
Riddle adds that you should treat your HVAC system like your car before a long trip. Make sure everything is tuned up and ready to go before you run into issues. This goes for both homes and larger buildings.
“Always check your filters. Use your power bill as a reminder — every time you get your power bill, check your filter, replace as necessary. It’s the number one thing you can do to prevent breakdowns," he said.
Energy Star recommends checking your air filter every month and changing it every three months. This can help speed up airflow and won’t put as much pressure on the system.
