Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Goshen, OH, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
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 keep you comfortable while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work from your air conditioner, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to equipment failure 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 selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Just Right Heating and Cooling, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. 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 Just Right Heating and Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misconceptions 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:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Just Right Heating and Cooling
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Goshen, OH, with AC maintenance from Just Right Heating and Cooling. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling 513-935-3804 today!
