The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Marshalltown, IA, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system 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 May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Running your AC in extreme heat can push your system too hard, 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 equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
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 not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Kapaun & Brown, our experienced HVAC technicians 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, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. 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 Kapaun & Brown also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. 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.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. 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 right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Kapaun & Brown
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Marshalltown, IA, with AC maintenance from Kapaun & Brown. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Book your appointment by contacting us at 641-321-6747 today!