The Challenge of St. Louis Climate Extremes
Living in the greater St. Louis area means experiencing a bit of everything: scorching hot summers, icy cold winters, surprise temperature swings, high humidity, and dry spells. While we may be used to Missouri’s unpredictable weather, your HVAC system never truly gets a break. These dramatic seasonal changes put year-round stress on your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, and air handler — often more than homeowners realize.
At Cherry Tree Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve seen firsthand how the local climate uniquely impacts HVAC performance. Our team is not only experienced in servicing all brands and systems, but we’re also tuned in to how these weather patterns affect comfort and efficiency in your home.
Summer Heat + Humidity = AC Overload
When July and August roll around, St. Louis turns into a hot, humid oven. This extreme moisture doesn’t just make you sweat — it also makes your air conditioner work much harder.
- Humidity Makes Cooling Less Efficient: AC units don’t just cool the air — they also remove humidity. High humidity levels force your AC to run longer to keep your home feeling cool and dry. Over time, this extra runtime can wear out your system faster.
- Dirty Coils and Low Refrigerant = Trouble: We often see units struggling during peak summer due to clogged coils or low refrigerant. This can result in your AC not cooling properly, and if left untreated, it could lead to a breakdown during the hottest week of the year.
- System Size Matters: Homes that had an undersized AC installed may never reach the desired temperature, especially on 100° days. Cherry Tree HVAC’s experience in custom system design means we can evaluate your setup and recommend a solution that truly handles St. Louis summer heat.
Winter Swings & Deep Freezes: Stress on Furnaces and Heat Pumps
Missouri winters are full of surprises — one week it’s mild and in the 50s, the next it’s freezing with snow and ice. These rapid shifts are hard on your furnace or heat pump.
- Cold Snaps Test Your Furnace’s Limits: When the temperature drops into the teens or single digits, your furnace runs continuously to maintain warmth. If the system hasn’t been properly maintained, it may fail when you need it most. That’s why seasonal furnace checkups in the fall are essential.
- Humidity Drop Means Dry Air: Cold winter air is also dry, which leads to dry skin, static electricity, and cracked wood. We often recommend humidity control systems that can be integrated into your HVAC to keep your home comfortable and your air balanced.
- Wear on Heat Pumps: If you use a heat pump, it will switch modes frequently as temps rise and fall. Modern systems are designed for this, but they still require regular maintenance to stay efficient and reliable. Without it, you could face emergency service calls during a snowstorm.
Mid-Season Mood Swings: Your System Needs to Stay Flexible
Spring and fall can be the most unpredictable. One day you’re running the heat, the next you’re flipping back to AC. These quick transitions can cause:
- Short Cycling: If your thermostat is old or poorly calibrated, your system might turn on and off too frequently, causing inefficiency and strain on your components.
- Neglected Air Filters: Springtime means allergy season, and a clogged filter can affect both system performance and indoor air quality.
- Improper Settings: We often find thermostats still set for winter in March or April. Smart thermostats or seasonal programming help keep things consistent and avoid wasteful energy use.
How Cherry Tree HVAC Helps You Prepare
Being based in the St. Louis area means Cherry Tree HVAC understands these climate challenges better than anyone. We offer:
- Thorough seasonal tune-ups that prepare your system for whatever the next season throws your way.
- Expert advice on system upgrades or replacements, especially if your current system isn’t handling the St. Louis climate well.
- Air quality assessments and humidity control solutions tailored to local weather patterns.
- Reliable 24/7 service for those sudden weather-related failures (because let’s be honest — HVAC breakdowns don’t wait for office hours).
We also offer the Sweet Comfort Club, our affordable maintenance plan that includes two yearly visits — perfect for staying ahead of St. Louis weather before it impacts your comfort.