The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Crown Point, IN, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat 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 intense heat 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of effort on the part of your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues 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 choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Struven Heating & Cooling, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
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 to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Struven Heating & Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. 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 reduce your utility bills. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you get back home and turn it 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 best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning 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 few degrees higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Struven Heating & Cooling
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Crown Point, IN, with AC maintenance from Struven Heating & Cooling. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 219-292-0956 today!