Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Harmony, PA, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system make it through the heat. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner 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 very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work from your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
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 work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Knoechel Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Knoechel Heating also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back on. 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 high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid AC Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Knoechel Heating
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Harmony, PA, with AC maintenance from Knoechel Heating. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by contacting us at 724-806-1195 today!