Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Macon, GA, nothing feels quite so good 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 mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system make it through the heat. 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 Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy from your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in on hot days 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 components, leading to mechanical issues 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 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 slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Air Temperature Control, our trained AC installation experts 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 square footage, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How 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 seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Air Temperature Control also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. 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 improve energy efficiency. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. 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 smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Air Temperature Control
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Macon, GA, with AC maintenance from Air Temperature Control. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 478-339-3882 today!