Your AC is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Columbia, MS, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned 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 malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable 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 comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy from your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues 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 overheating and failing 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 oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Watts Electric & AC, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC 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 to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Watts Electric & AC also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance 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 Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of 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 upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Watts Electric & AC
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Columbia, MS, with AC maintenance from Watts Electric & AC. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 601-736-7362 today!