The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Florissant, MO, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures 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 Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances 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 struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at B & B Heating & Cooling, 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 heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at B & B Heating & Cooling also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, 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 cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions 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 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 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 improve energy efficiency. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise 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 leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent 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 more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off 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 heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from B & B Heating & Cooling
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Florissant, MO, with AC maintenance from B & B Heating & Cooling. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 314-668-8530 today!