Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Marshfield, WI, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can overload your cooling system, 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 choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at House of Heating Incorporated, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property 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 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 most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at House of Heating Incorporated also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. 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 keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from House of Heating Incorporated
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Marshfield, WI, with AC maintenance from House of Heating Incorporated. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by contacting us at 715-384-3163 today!