Your AC is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Logan, UT, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer 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, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Western Mechanical, Inc., our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration 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 schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Western Mechanical, Inc. also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty 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 Misconceptions 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 frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Western Mechanical, Inc.
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Logan, UT, with AC maintenance from Western Mechanical, Inc.. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 435-753-5515 today!