Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Weatherford, TX, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering 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 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 avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work on the part of your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in intense summer weather can overload your cooling system, 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 equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances 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 struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Parker County Cooling & Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, 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 Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Parker County Cooling & Heating also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, 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 cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. 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 reduce your utility bills. 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 dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- 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 performance issues. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use 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 rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Cooling Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Parker County Cooling & Heating
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Weatherford, TX, with AC maintenance from Parker County Cooling & Heating. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 817-587-4899 today!