What Can I Expect From My Air Conditioner Indoors If the Temperature Outdoors Is 100 Degrees?

Start-up

• Upon start-up, the unit runs for a long time to cool the room. This is especially true if the thermostat is set to a low setting, such as 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the room is very large, the time required to cool the room lengthens. Listen for both the internal compressor, which powers the cooling element, and the fan, which blows the cold air out of the vents. If the fan fails to run, then the unit could suffer a freeze, which hinders cold air circulation and potentially damages the unit.

Regular Use

• After the air conditioner equalizes the room temperature with the thermostat setting, the internal compressor turns off. Depending on the air conditioner setting, the fan turns off also. If the fan is set to constantly run, then the fan will continue to blow without the internal compressor. As soon as the room temperature rises above the thermostat setting, the internal compressor and the fan will kick back in to cool the room. Because of the extreme heat outside, the compressor and fan will kick in frequently to regulate the room's temperature, especially if the thermostat is set to a low setting.

Filter

• It's important during the run of the air conditioner on 100-degree days to confirm that the air filter is clean and the fan runs properly. Frequent use of the air conditioner causes debris to build up on the filter at a more rapid rate. A severely blocked filter used in a hot climate could result in shut-down of the unit and possible internal damage. Open the front intake grill to reveal the filter. Lift the filter out by hand and clean it with warm water. Before reinsertion, the filter should be completely dry. If the filter isn't reusable, replace it with a fresh new filter.

Drainage

• If the temperature inside is humid, excessive drainage accumulates in the drain pan and drips from the back of the unit. If the unit is a window unit, the drainage accumulates in a drain pan and drips out of the back of the unit outside, if the unit is installed correctly. If the unit is portable, then the drainage accumulates inside the internal drain pan or tank and must be emptied when full. Hot outdoor temperatures cause the unit to run more often and produce more liquid waste than normal. When the internal drain tank fills, the unit ceases to run until the tank is emptied.