What the Heat Index Means for Sherwood Homeowners: Keeping Cool When It Feels Like 110°

Step outside on a July afternoon in Sherwood and your weather app might say it’s 93°F but it feels more like 110°. What's the difference? It’s called the heat index, and in Central Arkansas, it plays a big role in how your body feels and how your air conditioner performs.

Understanding the “feels like” temperature can help you manage your comfort, your energy bills, and your expectations during the worst of Central Arkansas’ muggy summer heat.

What Is the Heat Index?

The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. The higher the humidity, the harder it is for your body to cool itself by sweating. That’s why 93° with 70% humidity can feel worse than 100° in a dry climate.

Here in Sherwood and across the Little Rock Metro, high humidity is a daily reality during summer. When it builds up outside, your air conditioner has to do double duty:

• Lower the temperature

• Remove moisture from the air

  
  

What Does That Mean for Your AC?

When the heat index climbs, your AC system has to work harder (and longer) to maintain the same level of comfort indoors. You might notice:

• Longer run times

• Less dramatic “cooling off” when you walk inside

• Higher indoor humidity levels

• A thermostat that struggles to reach your usual setting

  
  

That doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong but it could be a sign your system is overdue for a tune-up or that your home needs better moisture control.

Tips for Staying Comfortable During High Heat Index Days

1. Set a Realistic Thermostat Goal Don’t try to push your AC to 68° when it’s 105° outside. Aim for 75–78°F to give your system a fair shot and avoid overworking it.

2. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically Moving air helps you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Make sure fans are turning counter-clockwise in summer.

3. Keep Filters Clean A dirty filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your system to cool and dehumidify. Change them monthly in summer.

4. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities Midday Try not to cook, run the dryer, or take hot showers during the peak heat of the afternoon.

5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance A seasonal AC tune-up can make sure your system is operating efficiently and catching problems before they get worse.

   
   

Still Feeling Sticky Inside?

If your home feels muggy even when the AC is running, it could be time to consider a dehumidifier add-on or whole-home system upgrade. These enhancements can take the burden off your AC, improve indoor air quality, and boost overall comfort—especially during Arkansas’s most humid months.

We’re Here to Help You Keep Your Cool

At Kennedy Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Sherwood and Little Rock Metro families stay comfortable through sticky summers for decades. Whether you need a quick repair, a full AC replacement, or an indoor air quality upgrade, our team’s here to help.

📞 Call us today to schedule your summer tune-up or indoor comfort consultation.