The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Brookfield, CT, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat 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 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 keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy on the part of your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues 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 choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Central Air LLC, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Central Air LLC also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- 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.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
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 just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block 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 when it's hot outside
Avoid AC Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Central Air LLC
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Brookfield, CT, with AC maintenance from Central Air LLC. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 203-403-6174 today!