Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Mechanicsville, VA, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures 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 cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy from your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows 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 Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. 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 helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to circulate 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
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid AC Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Mechanicsville, VA, with AC maintenance from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by calling 804-979-2758 today!