Your AC is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Huntingburg, IN, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit 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 extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in intense summer weather can overload your cooling system, 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.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Reducing the risk 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 struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Dearing's Service & Solutions, 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 size, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring 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 Dearing's Service & Solutions also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. 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 dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Dearing's Service & Solutions
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Huntingburg, IN, with AC maintenance from Dearing's Service & Solutions. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Book your appointment by calling 812-956-0349 today!