The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Loganville, GA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes malfunctions, 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 keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort from your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC 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
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 work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling, our trained AC installation experts 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, 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 a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big 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, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and turn on 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 cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Tony Beck Heating & Cooling
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Loganville, GA, with AC maintenance from Tony Beck Heating & Cooling. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 770-466-2924 today!
