Your AC is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Bryan, TX, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, 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 steps you can take to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, 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 work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. 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.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized 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 Air Repair, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Superior Air Repair also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
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 popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do 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 large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Superior Air Repair
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Bryan, TX, with AC maintenance from Superior Air Repair. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 979-775-8700 today!
