The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Jefferson City, MO, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes breakdowns, 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable 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 high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy 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 cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat 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 slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Stieferman Heating Company Inc, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property 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 what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Stieferman Heating Company Inc also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. 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 keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. 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 performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce AC Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Stieferman Heating Company Inc
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Jefferson City, MO, with AC maintenance from Stieferman Heating Company Inc. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 573-635-3547 today!