Your air conditioner is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Cape Girardeau, MO, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system make it through the heat. This blog will explore 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 scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk 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 work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Prestige Plumbing and Air, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit 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 enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
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 pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Prestige Plumbing and Air also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home 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 reduce your utility bills. 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 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 smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use 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
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Prestige Plumbing and Air
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Cape Girardeau, MO, with AC maintenance from Prestige Plumbing and Air. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 573-266-2048 today!