Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Sylmar, CA, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when the average household relies 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 discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems 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 scorching 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 effort from your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can overload your cooling system, 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 mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
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 too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are too big consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. 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 save energy. 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 adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from AZ Air Conditioning and Heating
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Sylmar, CA, with AC maintenance from AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by calling (877) 559-6081 today!