Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Tucker, GA, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat 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 cooling system make it through the heat. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. 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 AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, room configuration 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 High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool 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 cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace 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 allows your house to heat up and leave your system with a bigger job when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees 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 inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from ACS Heating and Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Tucker, GA, with AC maintenance from ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 770-824-3170 today!
