Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Thedford, ON, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will explore 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 Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps 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 AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system 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 too big aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home 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 taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths 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 make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. 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 dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Air Conditioning Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Thedford, ON, with AC maintenance from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 519-296-4437 today!