Sometimes you may feel like you belong in another century. Maybe you’re an “old soul” or maybe you just feel that you would have made the perfect knight in shining armor. But even if you feel a little out of place in the 21st century, like most people, you’re probably grateful for some of the modern technology – especially indoor temperature control. Sweating out your summers and huddling around a fire all winter? No thank you! And if you live in Illinois, you’re probably even more grateful than most for heating and air conditioning in Chicago.
The climate is one of extremes, and, at times, living without heating air conditioning Chicago area would be torturous. Though the average temperature during the summer is actually quite a bit lower than other places in the continental US, the humidity from Lake Michigan often makes temperatures feel higher than they actually are. With an average temperature of 69 degrees in June, 74 degrees in July, and 72 degrees in August, the moist sticky air can make living in Chicago without air conditioning a pretty sweaty affair. Plus, the record warmth of recent years has been making the summer temperatures in Chicago hotter than ever. Just last year in 2012, for example, Chicago saw a record-breaking three day stretch with temperatures above 100 degrees. Imagine living through that without air conditioning! Partly due to its location on the shore of the lake, Chicago’s temperatures can vary widely from year to year, and residents never know when another heat wave will strike.
While heating and air conditioning in Chicago is important during the summer, living without these systems during Chicago’s winters would be mind numbingly miserable. On average, Chicago doesn’t get much snow compared to other US states. During most winters, there are several snow storms with around two inches of accumulation. About every three years, the city can experience a major snow storm that leaves approximately ten inches of snow on the ground. Of course, these are just averages; during one record-breaking winter, ninety inches of snow were dumped on the city. Snow accumulation is usually minimal due to the westward winds that blow across Lake Michigan, but unfortunately for Chicago residents, this doesn’t mean the temperature is any higher. The average winter temperature is 35 degrees in December, 31 in January, and 35 in February. The bitter winds blowing off of the Lake can make it feel much colder.
So next time you feel like strapping on that suit of armor or marching with the Colonial army to the music of a tin whistle, just take a moment to imagine living without heating and air conditioning in Chicago. You may find that you are pretty grateful to be living in the modern age.
Elm Heating & Cooling has been servicing heating and air conditioning in Chicago since 1953. We are proud to provide twenty-four hour service for all your heating and cooling emergencies.
