“If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.” To this day, Mark Twain’s quote is used to describe quickly changing weather conditions in regions throughout the United States, United Kingdom, and elsewhere. However, in contrast to the weather, the climate change being experienced globally is creating nontraditional conditions that are much more permanent.
Consequently, HVACR systems are being subjected to a new set of conditions that, if not addressed properly, may significantly impact performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
Report from Climate Central
75% of the Earth’s land has become permanently drier over the last three decades
Consider a few examples. According to a recent report from Climate Central, as a result of climate change, Michigan has nine fewer subfreezing days in winter. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the average temperature in the summer of 2024 in Europe was 1.54 C above the average between 1991 and 2020.
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 75% of the Earth’s land has become permanently drier over the last three decades, caused in part by declining humidity in some regions. Climate change impacts such as these have made it increasingly important for HVACR contractors to understand the ways new weather-related factors can challenge equipment performance and durability—and to help customers optimize the resiliency of their systems.
Three main challenges
To follow are insights and tips that can help contractors successfully “weather” three main challenges driven by climate change: extreme heat, high or low humidity, and extreme weather events.
As this information demonstrates, no matter how hot, dry, wet, or stormy your region has become, being proactive in system checks and maintenance can help customers’ systems run effectively, minimize repair costs, and ensure equipment operates through its expected lifecycle.
Climate-change impact one: extreme heat
In extreme heat, parts such as compressors and condensers undergo more than the standard wear
From potential leaks to higher energy bills, the need for air conditioners to run longer and harder to achieve desired cooling temperatures as temperatures rise can be literally and figuratively costly to your customer, a building’s occupants, and the environment. In extreme heat, components such as compressors and condensers undergo more than the standard wear and tear.
If not properly maintained to meet rigorous demands, equipment may not be able to cool a space adequately. This means it will potentially consume more energy and increase energy bills. Equipment could also overheat, break down, require costly repairs, and reach end of life more quickly. In addition, higher temperatures, longer run times, and increased condensing pressure may lead to more leaks.
Take these steps to help HVACR system owners overcome the challenges of extreme heat:
- Check air filters frequently and replace them as needed. Dust and debris can accumulate quickly in hot, dry weather.
- Perform comprehensive regular maintenance. This should include cleaning condenser coils and maintaining proper refrigerant levels.
- Optimize settings. Raising the thermostat slightly when daily temperatures peak can help reduce energy consumption and wear and tear on components.
- Work with facility managers to ensure proper building insulation. This can reduce heat gain and lessen the burden on air conditioning systems.
- Create shade for outdoor units and keep them clear of debris. Protection from direct sunlight can help maintain cooler operating temperatures.
Climate-change impact two: humidity
Indoor comfort and HVACR system performance depend on keeping the right humidity balance
Indoor comfort and HVACR system performance depend on maintaining the right humidity balance. When humidity is too low, air is dry and static, leading to discomfort for occupants and potential issues with air quality and system operation.
However, if humidity is too high, systems will have to work harder to remove moisture from the air while simultaneously providing the desired level of cooling.
Take these steps in high-humidity situations:
- Keep tabs on moisture buildup and perform regular cleaning of components such as ducts, filters, and evaporator coils. Identifying and removing moisture accumulation can prevent damage from mold or corrosion.
- Ensure proper insulation of ductwork to help mitigate moisture buildup.
- Enhance dehumidification systems and make sure they are properly sized to handle specific humidity levels.
- Check air filters, blowers, condensate drains, and ductwork to ensure proper airflow.
In low-humidity situations:
- Install humidifiers. Consider humidifiers that can be integrated with the heating/cooling system to achieve a consistent level of approximately 30% to 50% relative humidity.
- Perform regular humidifier maintenance, including cleaning and replacing filters, checking for mineral deposits, and ensuring all lines are clear.
- Ensure proper insulation of ductwork and seal any leaks.
- Perform regular maintenance checks of HVACR systems as noted above
Climate-change impact three: extreme weather events
It’s not unusual for extreme weather events—including intense thunderstorms, snowstorms, and windstorms—to cause power outages and surges, flooding, or high winds, all of which can physically damage HVACR equipment.
To avoid system problems or, possibly, total system failure it’s important to assess damage as quickly and thoroughly as possible then implement the necessary repairs or replacements. Be sure in these situations to always prioritize technician safety and, where applicable, to obtain clearance from emergency responders.
Take these steps to support system resilience during extreme weather events:
- Conduct routine maintenance as noted in factors one and two above.
- Work with facility managers to ensure buildings have proper insulation and weatherproofing.
- Have emergency backup power sources in place. Ensuring continual operation during power outages is especially important for mission-critical systems.
Best practices for routine equipment checkups
One final point to consider on this topic is that employing the practices above can help reduce further contributions to the global warming that drives climate change. One example is taking steps to prevent refrigerant leaks. Another is energy conservation that can be achieved by systems that run at optimized efficiency. Even efforts to prolong the lifespan of systems can help decrease the waste of resources and other materials.
While “waiting a few minutes” may prevent someone from unnecessarily canceling a ballgame or picnic on account of rain, the HVACR industry needs to address the challenges of climate change “without delay” and for the foreseeable future. Continuing best practices for routine equipment checkups and maintenance, increasing system checks in climates that have become hotter, drier, wetter, or stormier than usual; and employing some new techniques can all work together to ensure resilient systems, satisfied customers, and a healthier planet.