The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Middletown, MD, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned 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 malfunctions, 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—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 stress from high temperatures 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
Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat 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 cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Advanced Service AC & Heating, our trained AC installation experts analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, floor plan and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves 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, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Advanced Service AC & Heating also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. 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 dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System 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:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Advanced Service AC & Heating
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Middletown, MD, with AC maintenance from Advanced Service AC & Heating. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling 301-371-8807 today!
