Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Greensburg, IN, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures 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 hot weather 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference 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 effort from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures 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
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing 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 moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Wallpe Heating & Cooling, our trained AC installation experts 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 taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Wallpe Heating & Cooling also inspect for potential issues 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 hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and run 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 cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid AC Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Wallpe Heating & Cooling
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Greensburg, IN, with AC maintenance from Wallpe Heating & Cooling. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 812-663-7252 today!