Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Marshalltown, IA, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your AC unit survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work on the part of your air conditioner, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days can push your system too hard, 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.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Lowering the chances 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 slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at B & G HVAC, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs 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 enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at B & G HVAC also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise 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 high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from B & G HVAC
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Marshalltown, IA, with AC maintenance from B & G HVAC. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by calling 641-649-4649 today!
