How High Temperatures Can Affect Your AED and What to Do About It

As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks to your automated external defibrillator (AED). Whether it’s kept in a vehicle, an outdoor cabinet, or an office without air conditioning, excessive heat can degrade AED performance, compromise its components, and potentially endanger lives when every second counts.

If you’re responsible for public safety in a school, workplace, community center, or field setting, understanding how summer heat affects AEDs, and how to store them properly, can make a life-saving difference.

Why Summer Heat Is a Concern for AEDs

AEDs are life-saving devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by delivering a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. They’re simple to use, even for lay responders, and their presence in public and private settings has saved countless lives. But AEDs are also electronic devices with temperature-sensitive components.

AEDs are designed for use in a wide variety of environments, but they’re still subject to wear and degradation, especially when stored improperly. Each AED manufacturer lists an operating temperature range and standby temperature range on the AEDs technical data sheet or operator’s manual. Most AEDs have a recommended storage range between 32°F and 122°F (0°C to 50°C). Summer conditions can easily exceed those limits, particularly in places like parked vehicles, metal cabinets, or unventilated storage areas.

Common Mistakes During Hot Weather

One of the most frequent summer mistakes is leaving AEDs inside vehicles. The interior of a car or truck can reach over 140°F (60°C) on a sunny day, far beyond what most AEDs can tolerate. While keeping an AED in a vehicle may seem convenient, especially for mobile teams or first responders, it can be a recipe for failure unless proper precautions are taken.

Another issue arises with outdoor AED cabinets. If a cabinet is installed in direct sunlight or lacks proper ventilation, the temperature inside can soar. Some public facilities use metal or plastic enclosures that heat up quickly and retain heat even after sunset, further increasing the risk of component failure.

Even indoor units aren’t immune. AEDs stored near sunlit windows or close to HVAC vents may be subjected to inconsistent temperatures that affect long-term reliability.

Smart Storage Decisions That Protect Lives

Protecting your AED from heat starts with knowing your device’s limits. Each AED model comes with specific manufacturer guidelines for safe storage and use. Make sure those recommendations are understood by anyone responsible for AED maintenance or emergency preparedness.

If possible, store your AED in a temperature-controlled space. Offices, lobbies, reception desks, or interior hallways generally maintain safe and stable conditions. Avoid direct sunlight or placing the unit near electronics or heating equipment that could produce localized spikes in temperature.

When outdoor storage is necessary, such as at parks, athletic fields, or construction sites, it’s worth investing in a weatherproof AED cabinet that includes ventilation or climate control. Some cabinets feature solar-powered fans or insulation designed to keep internal temperatures within safe limits.

In vehicle scenarios, the situation becomes more complex. If an AED must travel in a vehicle, such as for security teams, police, or medical transport, consider using an insulated AED case and limiting time spent in parked vehicles during peak heat. Some agencies install secure, climate-controlled compartments specifically for AED storage. If that's not feasible, ensure the device is regularly rotated out of the vehicle for inspection and temperature stabilization.

What to Do If Your AED Has Been Exposed to Heat

If you suspect your AED has spent too much time in extreme temperatures, don’t ignore the warning signs. Check the device for any visible damage, especially around the battery compartment or electrode pads. Most modern AEDs perform regular self-checks, but you can also run a manual test to confirm operational readiness.

If the electrode pads feel stiff, discolored, or have a dried-out gel, they need to be replaced. Batteries that appear swollen or corroded, or that trigger warning lights on the unit, should also be swapped out. When in doubt, contact your AED distributor or the manufacturer for a professional assessment. Better to be cautious than risk equipment failure in a true emergency.

AED Access and Visibility Still Matter

While heat management is essential, proper AED placement is equally important. An AED must be easy to find and access quickly during an emergency. That’s why placement guidelines recommend keeping AEDs in highly visible, central locations such as school offices, break rooms, gymnasiums, or main entrances of public buildings.

For outdoor settings, visibility should not be sacrificed for shade. A well-designed cabinet placed in partial shade with protective features can meet both visibility and safety standards. Signage—indoors or outdoors—should be clearly labeled and easily noticeable to increase the likelihood that bystanders will locate and use the AED during an emergency.

Get Ahead of the Heat

As the summer season unfolds, take time to evaluate your AED readiness. Ensure storage areas remain within recommended temperature ranges and check for any early signs of damage or wear. Reinforce your inspection schedule and communicate with your safety teams or building managers to make AED maintenance a shared priority.

It's not enough to have an AED on-site, it must be ready, reliable, and accessible. Proper summer storage is one of the easiest ways to ensure that happens.

AIVIA 320