The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Mount Horeb, WI, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly 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 expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will cover how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge 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 work from your air conditioner, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at JW Brager Heating and Cooling, 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 overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme 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 evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at JW Brager Heating and Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most common myths 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 operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit 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 return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly 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 bigger units 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 AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop 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
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from JW Brager Heating and Cooling
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Mount Horeb, WI, with AC maintenance from JW Brager Heating and Cooling. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by calling 608-447-0555 today!