115°F Hit Chandler — More Extreme Heat Is On the Way
Chandler just endured one of the hottest stretches of the year, with temperatures hitting 115°F this past weekend under a National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning. Viking Heating and Air Conditioning, a family-owned HVAC company that has served Chandler and the greater Phoenix East Valley since 2016, is urging homeowners to check their cooling systems now — because according to the National Weather Service Phoenix forecast, more extreme heat is on the way this week, with highs staying at or above 108°F through the weekend.
Immediate Action Summary for Chandler Homeowners Chandler reached 115°F over the past 48 hours under an active Extreme Heat Warning, and forecasts show continued highs between 108°F and 113°F through August 8. Homeowners should verify their AC is cooling to the set temperature, check for clean filters and clear outdoor units, and watch for unusual noises or warm airflow. Viking Heating and Air Conditioning recommends scheduling service immediately if any issues appear, since extreme heat causes AC failures to spike during exactly these conditions.
What Just Happened: 115°F and an Extreme Heat Warning
Over the past 48 hours, Chandler and the surrounding East Valley experienced genuinely dangerous heat. Temperatures reached 115°F, triggering an Extreme Heat Warning from NWS Phoenix that remains in effect through August 4 at 8:00 PM. While the historical data shows no rainfall and only modest wind gusts up to 24 mph, the "severe weather occurred" flag for this period reflects the heat itself — at 115°F, this level of heat is classified as a severe weather hazard, not just an uncomfortable afternoon.
This matters for your HVAC system because air conditioners are engineered to handle a specific temperature differential between indoor and outdoor air. When outdoor temperatures climb into the 113–115°F range, your system has to work far harder to pull heat out of your home and maintain a livable indoor temperature. This is when marginal components — aging capacitors, low refrigerant charges, dirty coils — tend to give out. If your system labored, short-cycled, or ran constantly without quite catching up to your thermostat setting over the past two days, that is not something to ignore.
You can review the raw historical conditions yourself through NWS Phoenix Station Data, which tracks observed temperatures and alerts for the region.
Key Takeaway: A 115°F reading with an active Extreme Heat Warning is not a routine hot day — it's a stress test for your HVAC system. Any hesitation, warm airflow, or unusual noise during this period is a signal worth investigating now, not later.
What to Check on Your AC System Right Now
Before the next wave of extreme heat arrives, take a few minutes to assess your system's performance. Here's what to look at:
- Indoor temperature accuracy. Does your home actually reach the temperature set on your thermostat, or does it hover several degrees above it even after hours of runtime? A persistent gap is a red flag.
- Airflow at the vents. Weak or barely-there airflow from supply vents can indicate duct problems, a failing blower motor, or a clogged filter restricting airflow throughout the system.
- Outdoor condenser condition. Walk outside and look at your condenser unit. It needs clearance on all sides for proper airflow — dust, debris, or plants growing too close can restrict heat exchange precisely when your system needs it most.
- Unusual sounds. Grinding, clicking, buzzing, or a system that won't stop short-cycling are all signs of components under strain.
- Air filter condition. A dirty filter is one of the simplest and most common causes of reduced cooling performance, and it's also one of the easiest things to fix yourself.
If you notice any of these issues, don't wait for a full breakdown. Our AC repair and service page outlines what a proper diagnostic and repair visit involves, and our team is available for emergency HVAC repair around the clock.
Key Takeaway: Most AC failures during extreme heat events don't happen without warning signs. Catching reduced airflow, temperature lag, or strange noises early can mean the difference between a same-day repair and a full system replacement in the middle of a heat wave.
What's Coming: More Extreme Heat Through the Weekend
According to the National Weather Service Phoenix forecast, Chandler is not getting a break anytime soon. Here's what the week looks like:
- This afternoon: 115°F, sunny, wind 5 mph WNW
- Monday: 113°F, sunny, wind 5–10 mph NW
- Tuesday: 110°F, sunny, wind 0–10 mph WSW
- Wednesday: 108°F, slight chance of showers and thunderstorms
- Thursday: 109°F, mostly sunny then slight chance of showers and thunderstorms
- Friday: 110°F, mostly sunny then slight chance of showers and thunderstorms
- Saturday: 111°F, mostly sunny then slight chance of showers and thunderstorms
Notice that even as scattered storm chances return midweek, daytime highs remain well above 108°F through Saturday. The slight chance of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday through Saturday won't meaningfully cool things down during peak afternoon hours — if anything, added humidity ahead of these storms can make the heat feel even more oppressive and keep your AC working harder for longer stretches each day.
This pattern — sustained extreme heat with only marginal relief — is exactly the kind of stretch that pushes struggling HVAC systems past their limit. According to guidance from Energy.gov, cooling systems account for a substantial share of household energy use during summer months, and systems operating efficiently under proper maintenance handle sustained heat loads far better than neglected ones.
Key Takeaway: This isn't a one-day heat spike followed by relief. Chandler is looking at nearly a full week of triple-digit heat, which means your AC needs to perform reliably day after day, not just survive a single afternoon.
How to Prepare for the Week Ahead
Given the forecast, now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive. Here's how to prepare:
1. Schedule preventative maintenance if you haven't already this season. A preventative maintenance visit allows a technician to check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, capacitor health, and coil cleanliness before those components fail under continued heat stress. The ACCA and Energy Star both recommend annual professional maintenance as a baseline for reliable cooling performance.
2. Replace or clean your air filter now. This is the fastest way to restore airflow and reduce strain on your system heading into another stretch of extreme heat.
3. Check your thermostat settings and consider an upgrade. A properly programmed or smart thermostat can help your system run more efficiently across a week of sustained high temperatures. If yours is outdated or unreliable, our thermostat installation service can help.
4. Know the signs that warrant an emergency call. If your system stops cooling entirely, blows warm air, or shuts off completely at any point during this Extreme Heat Warning period, treat it as urgent. Indoor temperatures can climb to unsafe levels quickly during 108–115°F days, particularly for children, older adults, and pets.
5. Consider whether your system is nearing the end of its service life. If your AC is older and has needed repeated repairs, extreme heat weeks like this one often reveal weaknesses that are more cost-effective to address with replacement than repeated patchwork. Our repair or replace guide can help you think through that decision, and our HVAC installation team handles everything from system sizing to full installation across Chandler and the East Valley.
6. Don't overlook ductwork. Even a well-functioning AC unit can underperform if air is leaking out through damaged or poorly sealed ducts before it ever reaches your living space. Our ductwork services team can inspect and seal your duct system to make sure the cool air you're paying to produce actually reaches your rooms.
Key Takeaway: Preparation this week means addressing small issues before they become emergencies during the next 108°F-plus day. A short maintenance visit now can prevent a no-cooling emergency call later.
Serving Chandler and the East Valley Through Extreme Heat
Viking Heating and Air Conditioning is licensed under AZ ROC #316534, bonded, and insured, and holds status as both a Champion Authorized Dealer and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor. We service all major HVAC brands — including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, and Rheem — so no matter what system is installed in your home, our technicians can diagnose and repair it. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and offer free second-opinion estimates if you've already received a quote elsewhere and want a trusted second look.
Beyond Chandler, our teams regularly serve homeowners in Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction — all of which are experiencing the same Extreme Heat Warning conditions this week. We also work with commercial property owners throughout the region; if you manage a building with tenants relying on consistent cooling, our commercial HVAC team can help you avoid costly downtime during this heat event.
For homeowners weighing whether an aging AC system can make it through another extreme heat week, our air conditioning page walks through repair, maintenance, and replacement options in detail. Learn more about our team's approach and values on our About Us page.
Extreme heat conditions like this week's forecast don't leave much room for error. If your AC is showing any signs of strain, or if you want a professional check before temperatures climb again, call Viking Heating and Air Conditioning at (480) 689-5167. We provide 24/7 emergency service throughout Chandler and the Phoenix East Valley, and we're ready to help you stay safely cool through whatever this week's heat brings. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my AC stop working during the 115°F heat in Chandler?
When outdoor temperatures reach extreme levels like 115°F, air conditioning systems must run almost continuously to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This constant operation puts extra strain on compressors, capacitors, and refrigerant systems, which is when weak components or existing issues tend to fail. If your AC has stopped or is blowing warm air, it needs prompt professional attention, especially during an Extreme Heat Warning.
Is it normal for my AC to run constantly when it's over 110°F outside?
Yes, it is normal for a properly sized and functioning AC system to run for long stretches during extreme heat days. However, if your system runs constantly but the indoor temperature still climbs, or if you notice the outdoor unit cycling on and off rapidly, that indicates a problem that should be checked by a licensed HVAC technician.
What should I check on my AC before more extreme heat arrives this week?
Check that your air filter is clean, confirm the outdoor condenser unit is clear of debris and has airflow on all sides, listen for unusual noises, and monitor whether your thermostat's set temperature is actually being reached. If anything seems off, schedule service before the next heat wave rather than during it.
Does Viking Heating and Air Conditioning offer emergency AC repair in Chandler?
Yes. Viking Heating and Air Conditioning provides 24/7 emergency HVAC repair service throughout Chandler and the greater Phoenix East Valley, including Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. During an Extreme Heat Warning, prompt emergency response is critical to prevent unsafe indoor conditions.
Can extreme heat damage my AC even if it doesn't fully break down?
Yes. Sustained extreme heat accelerates wear on electrical components, refrigerant lines, and compressors even if the system technically keeps running. Homeowners often notice reduced efficiency, higher humidity indoors, or longer cooling cycles after several consecutive days of extreme heat, which are early signs of stress-related wear.
Should I service my AC even if it's still working during the heat wave?
Yes. A functioning system during extreme heat can still have underlying issues such as low refrigerant, a struggling capacitor, or restricted airflow that a technician can identify before they cause a breakdown. Preventative maintenance during periods of moderate stress helps avoid emergency failures when temperatures peak again.
What does an Extreme Heat Warning mean for HVAC systems specifically?
An Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service signals dangerously high temperatures that pose health risks, and it also signals maximum mechanical stress on HVAC equipment. Systems that are undersized, aging, or poorly maintained are far more likely to fail during these warning periods, making it the highest-risk time of year for cooling equipment.
How often should AC systems be serviced in a climate like Chandler's?
Given the frequency of extreme heat events in the Phoenix East Valley, most HVAC manufacturers and organizations like ACCA recommend professional maintenance at least once per year, ideally before the peak summer season begins. Homes with older systems or heavy AC usage may benefit from more frequent check-ins.
Need HVAC Service in Chandler?
Contact Viking Heating and Air Conditioning today for air conditioning services in Chandler, AZ.