Your AC is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Hodgenville, KY, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear 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 make it through the heat. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather 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 breaking down in high heat starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate 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 lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. 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 bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close 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 when it's hot outside
Reduce Air Conditioning Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Hodgenville, KY, with AC maintenance from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by contacting us at 270-358-3167 today!
