The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Hendersonville, NC, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures 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 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 have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Superior Comfort Systems, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration 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 Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Superior Comfort Systems also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move 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
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Superior Comfort Systems
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Hendersonville, NC, with AC maintenance from Superior Comfort Systems. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by calling 828-492-3596 today!
