Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Alliance, NE, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences 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 damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner make it through the heat. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems 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 scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy from your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, 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 It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, room configuration and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed 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 heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces 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 DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace 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 lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with a bigger job 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.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting 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 in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid AC Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Alliance, NE, with AC maintenance from Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 308-762-1613 today!