Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Ord, NE, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work on the part of your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can push your system too hard, 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 mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are oversized waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Wadas Inc., our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's size, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Wadas Inc. also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean 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 truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Wadas Inc.
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Ord, NE, with AC maintenance from Wadas Inc.. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 308-728-3132 today!