Your AC is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Swanton, OH, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work on the part of your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Northwest Services, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals inspect your system—checking things like internal components, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Northwest Services also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low 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 save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with a bigger job when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Northwest Services
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Swanton, OH, with AC maintenance from Northwest Services. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 419-574-6033 today!