Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Plover, WI, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures 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 simple things you can do to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
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. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Point Heating & Cooling, 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 square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
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 invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Point Heating & Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. 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 most effective option. While high-capacity models 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 cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Point Heating & Cooling
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Plover, WI, with AC maintenance from Point Heating & Cooling. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 715-814-9741 today!