Last summer Tampa, Florida, experienced record-breaking heat with heat advisories issued across the state.
In July 2023, the National Weather Service and Florida Division of Emergency Management issued heat advisories for Florida as heat index values soared to a staggering 110 to 112 degrees. Some areas reported even higher heat index during the peak heating hours of the day (source).
Although this summer is likely not going to be as hot as last, it’s still going to be hot, and the heat is likely to kick in early this summer (source).
Why It’s Important to Prepare Your HVAC System Now
This kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable–it can be dangerous. As the body struggles to cool itself in high heat and humidity, the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke increases.
These illnesses can escalate quickly and may become life-threatening if not treated promptly, but people often don’t realize how overheated they are, especially in Florida where we’re used to the heat.
High temperatures lead to rapid fluid loss as the body sweats to cool itself, which can lead to dehydration that impairs physical and mental function and can place a significant strain on the kidneys and heart. When people aren’t thinking clearly due to the haze of dehydration, they may not recognize other symptoms of heat-related illness, making serious symptoms more likely.
Extreme heat can exacerbate pre-existing health issues such as heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory problems, potentially leading to more severe health outcomes. Pets, the elderly, and young children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related stress.
Recognizing Overheating
Symptoms of overheating include:
- heavy sweating
- weakness
- dizziness
- nausea
- clammy skin
- pale or flushed complexion
- muscle cramps
Heatstroke is a more serious condition and can occur if heat exhaustion is left untreated. Symptoms of heatstroke include a high body temperature (above 103°F), rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
If you or someone else exhibits signs of heatstroke, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Move to a cooler place and use cool cloths or a cool bath to lower body temperature until help arrives.
What Millian Aire Does to Prepare Your HVAC for the Summer
- Thorough inspections and tune-ups ensure your HVAC system is summer-ready. Our routine checks help detect and rectify any potential issues that could cause problems during the hot summer months.
- Dirty or clogged filters force your HVAC to work harder, which not only increases energy consumption but also wears out the system faster and makes it more likely to fail in extreme heat. Our technicians ensure your filters are clean to keep your system running smoothly.
- Clean ducts are key to efficient airflow. We clean your ducts to remove any build-up of contaminants that might be obstructing the airflow, which can make a significant difference in how your system performs and whether it can keep functioning in high heat.
- Aeroseal – this process will seal your ductwork so that any cool air that is flowing through your system is going into your living area and NOT into your attic. Sealing your ductwork with Aeroseal is both a cost effective and efficient way to keep your home cooler during our hot summer months. Don’t believe you have a leaky duct system? Let us come out and run a test to show you how much of your cooled air is leaking into your attic.
- Proper thermostat settings can help your HVAC system survive the summer. We help you choose a smart thermostat and program it to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without overstraining your AC system.
Emergency Repairs and Priority Service with Our Millian Aire Club
HVAC breakdowns don’t wait for a convenient time to occur. In fact, they are most likely at the hottest times, when everyone else’s AC is breaking down too. Last summer Tampa Bay residents struggled to get prompt AC repair, according to this abc Action News article.
That is why Millian Aire offers most same-day service to our maintenance plan members. Members of our maintenance plan can feel confident that they won’t be stuck in the heat for long too long. There are times where too many systems are overloaded and our technicians struggle to keep up with service calls – but most of our members are serviced within 24 hours of calling.
Regular maintenance also makes it less likely that your HVAC will break down in the first place. For just $18.99/month, our plan offers two maintenance visits per year, access to our technicians any day of the year, priority over non-members for HVAC emergency service, no charge extra for after-hours services, and a 10% discount on repairs.
Tips to Stay Cool and Safe This Summer
We can help you beat the heat this summer, but here are some other tips to stay cool and safe.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is the best fluid for staying hydrated. Limit beverages with sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
- Heavy meals can add heat to your body. Opt for smaller, cooler, lighter meals that are easier to metabolize.
- Keep an eye on local weather forecasts to be aware of heat advisories and warnings. The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so stay inside, in air-conditioned spaces, during these hours to avoid the worst of the heat.
- If you do go out, wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing that allows your body to breathe and cool efficiently.
- Indoors, use blinds, curtains, and shades to block out direct sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. Ceiling fans should be set to run counterclockwise in the summer, which pushes cool air down and helps evaporate sweat.
Don’t wait for the summer to heat up to think about how you will stay cool and whether your AC system is up to the task. Last summer’s heat was brutal, and forecasts suggest similar conditions this year.
Ensure your HVAC system is prepared by scheduling a maintenance appointment with Millian Aire AC & Heating and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your HVAC is in tip-top shape and that help will be on the way if something does go wrong.
