Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Norton, VA, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner make it through the heat. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work from your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, 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.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at HCE Systems, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences 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.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at HCE Systems also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three truths 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 how low you set the temperature.
- Turning off your air conditioner 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 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.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from HCE Systems
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Norton, VA, with AC maintenance from HCE Systems. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 276-212-1358 today!