The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Warminster, PA, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner 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. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Retro HVAC Service & Installation, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs 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 what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Retro HVAC Service & Installation also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing 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 entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Air Conditioning Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Retro HVAC Service & Installation
Make sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Warminster, PA, with AC maintenance from Retro HVAC Service & Installation. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 267-277-3851 today!