Your AC is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Smyrna, DE, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer 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 expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major 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 from your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather 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 choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC, 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 taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
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 pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep 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 enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Smyrna, DE, with AC maintenance from Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 302-653-0503 today!