From my point of view, there are two things I can say with certainty when it comes to Wi-Fi service in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home or business:
- We no longer view Wi-Fi as some sort of luxury. It’s now considered a necessity. This has never been truer because so many people are now working out of their homes.
- Just about everyone loves to complain about their home Wi-Fi. The signal isn’t strong enough or the network isn’t fast enough.
For many people their home Wi-Fi network is something of a mystery. They think of it as this little magic box that supplies internet service. In reality, the box (modem/router) is receiving a signal through a hard-wire connection. The router in turn broadcasts that signal inside the home on a specific frequency just like a radio or TV station broadcasts a signal.
AIR CONDITIONER VS WI-FI
So, what’s the point I’m trying to make? After all, Climate Control Company is in the HVAC business, not the Wi-Fi business. Believe it or not there seems to be a number of people out there asking if their air conditioner can affect their Wi-Fi?
POSSIBLE BUT NOT LIKELY
What’s my response to those questions? Plausible, but just barely. Radio frequency (RF) interference is the arch-enemy of a Wi-Fi network. This interference CAN theoretically come from any electronic device including the blower motors and compressors that are the heart of any HVAC systems. But, and it’s a big BUT, all modern electrical appliances and devices are shielded and tested to make sure they don’t produce RF interference. That’s why this type of direct interference is plausible, but highly unlikely.
AIR MOVEMENT & TEMPERATURE CHANGES
This could be the problem if you notice a reduced Wi-Fi signal at the limits of your router’s coverage area. Remember what’s happening when your HVAC system is running. Hot air replaces cold air or vice versa. When that happens, it can cause turbulence which distorts the radio signal coming from the router.
WHAT TO DO
If you really believe there’s a connection between your AC cycle and the strength of the Wi-Fi signal in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home, make sure you talk with your technician about it. He or she can look for any electrical problems that could be causing RF interference. However, it’s likely your best bet is to buy and install one or more Wi-Fi extenders. For more great information from Climate Control Company, be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
