The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Circleville, OH, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work from your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Circleville, OH, with AC maintenance from Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 740-474-5940 today!