The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Bloomfield, IN, 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 energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will cover 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 May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Stanford Heating & Cooling, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Stanford Heating & Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in helping your system run better.
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 common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. 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 adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep 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
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Stanford Heating & Cooling
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Bloomfield, IN, with AC maintenance from Stanford Heating & Cooling. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by calling 812-825-8695 today!
