Do You Know Where the Hottest Places on Earth Are?
So far this year, we’ve seen 16 days of temperatures at or above 100 degrees. The air conditioner has been running almost non-stop and you’re likely afraid to open the electricity bill. But as hot as it’s been, it doesn’t come close to the hottest places on earth.
According to the “Minute Earth” podcast, NASA constantly measures the Earth’s temperature with a Spectroradiometer from space. The highest recorded temperature has been in the Lut Desert in Iran at 159.3 degrees! You can learn more about the hottest place on earth by clicking here.
The five highest recorded temperatures by Weather Stations on Earth are:
#5 Araouane, Mali – 130 degrees
Araouane is a small Saharan village on the way to Timbuktu (a real place!). Just 300 families call this desert place home.
#4 Timbuktu, Mali – 130.1 degrees
The city best known for being in the middle of nowhere, Timbuktu is also a hot-hot-hot place. Timbuktu sits on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, about 10 miles north of the Niger River. The town is surrounded by sand dunes and the streets are often covered in sand. With a recorded high of 130.1 F (54.5 C), Timbuktu is one of the hottest places in the world.
#3 Kebili, Tunisia – 131 degrees
While it’s egg-frying hot, Kebili is actually a desert oasis. The 18,000 people who call this town home face heat waves with temperatures of 131 F (55 C).
#2 Ghadames, Libya – 131 degrees
Tying in the record temperature with Kebili is Ghadames, Libya, another oasis in the middle of a desert. The native Berber population of about 7,000 live in houses made with thick walls of mud, lime, and tree trunks that help protect them from the blazing heat.
#1 Death Valley, United States – 134 degrees
Death Valley is the driest and lowest valley in the United States. Because of the environment, it experiences some extreme temperatures. On July 10, 1913, at the Furnace Creek weather station, thermometers recorded 134 degrees, the highest temperature ever measured.
Keeping Cool Even in Record-Breaking Heat
Efficient air conditioning in Utah has become essential to many people’s homes. If you’re feeling the summer heat and want to stay cool, you’ll want to have your HVAC running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Just like other home maintenance tasks, like mowing the lawn or regular cleaning, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to operate at optimum efficiency. In addition to running efficiently, performing routine maintenance lengthens the life of your entire HVAC system.
Tips for a More Energy Efficient A/C System
So what can you do to have efficient air conditioning in Utah and beyond? Here are a few simple routine tasks that you can do to have a more energy-efficient AC unit.
Regularly change air filters
Dust and particles build up on your air filter, clogging it up and restricting airflow. If you’ve got a dirty filter, your AC unit will need to work much harder, leading to increased utility bills and more strain on the unit. Regularly replacing the filter keeps your AC unit running efficiently, you’ll have a more comfortable house, and your air quality will be optimized.
Generally speaking, it’s best to change the air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re in the middle of allergy season or you have pets in the home, consider replacing the filters more frequently. If you are uncomfortable changing your air filter, Manwill is happy to do it for you.
Clean around the unit
Because the AC unit sits outside, it can collect dirt, grass, leaves, and even branches. Air conditioners have an outdoor condensing unit with a fan that disperses heat. You can clean the metal fins outside the unit by spraying them lightly with a hose. But don’t use a pressure washer because this can cause permanent damage to the unit.
Also, take the opportunity to remove any obstructions from around the unit that might restrict any airflow. Overgrown plants, trees, or brushes are things that commonly cause obstruction. Allow about two feet of clearance around the unit on all sides.
Leave air vents open
While some homeowners may think that closing air vents can save energy costs, the opposite is true. Closing air vents can increase the pressure load on your system, lowering its performance.
Closing off vents doesn’t keep your AC unit from sending less air into the house and will not lower the energy your AC unit uses to operate. When a homeowner closes the vents, it can damage the air conditioner and the ductwork, leading to air leaks. If you have one area of the house that is constantly warmer than the other, consider installing a zone control system.
Schedule routine tune-ups
Calling Manwill to perform routine tune-ups on your AC system is one of the best things you can do to keep it running smoothly. Without routine tune-ups, your system could potentially have problems, leaving you without air conditioning during the hottest time of the year. During our Utah air conditioner service, we will complete the following:
A full cleaning of the condenser coils
Evaluation of coolant levels
Calibration of your thermostat to confirm proper operation
Inspection and tightening (if necessary) all electrical connections
Inspect the performance of the blower and the blower belt (if it has one).
We recommend having the tune-up completed in the spring. These regular tune-ups can keep your system running well and prevent problems down the road.
Set a reasonable temperature for the inside
When it’s blazing hot outside, it’s best not to set your AC to a low temperature. While each person has their ideal temperature, many experts agree that 78° F is optimal for units to balance comfort and energy savings. This exact temperature might not be suitable for some people; a safe range is generally between 72°-78° F. Setting your temperature in this range will keep your unit from being overworked, and you’ll still be comfortable.
Make small changes to help your AC unit
Lastly, you can do a few simple things around your house to help your AC unit run optimally. Keeping blinds shut, tinting windows, and turning on ceiling fans are just a few things that make a difference in keeping your house cool.
You should also avoid air leaks in the home, by securely closing doors and windows. Check for gaps around the house that may be letting air in, and close them with a weather seal. Attics, windows, doors, chimneys, and electrical outlets are notorious places for drafts in your house; check them thoroughly for any needed maintenance before each summer season.
Fuses and circuit breakers
In the event your air conditioner is not coming on at all. The average homeowner may know that fuses or circuit breakers are an easy place to check to confirm the AC has power. The fuses and circuit breakers are meant to last as long as the unit, However, from time to time they can trip or fail and may need to be reset or replaced. It’s recommended that an HVAC company like Manwill complete this service.
Manwill: The Experts in Air Conditioning in Utah
At Manwill, we are here to help you get through the scorching months of summer with our fast, efficient AC services. Whether you need your furnace and air conditioner filter changed, a complete tune-up, or if you’re having issues, we provide the fastest service in Salt Lake. Since 1920, our heating and cooling specialists have been helping Utah residents stay comfortable in their homes. Contact us today for the best air conditioning service in Salt Lake City.
