The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Georgetown, TX, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work on the part of your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. 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 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 overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Miller Climate Control LLC, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High 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, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Miller Climate Control LLC also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with a bigger job when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Set 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 rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Miller Climate Control LLC
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Georgetown, TX, with AC maintenance from Miller Climate Control LLC. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by calling 512-379-6873 today!
