Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Chatsworth, GA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will cover how hot weather affects your air conditioner 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 very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, 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 Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning 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 simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit 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 hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down 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 more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning
Make sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Chatsworth, GA, with AC maintenance from True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by calling 706-695-7492 today!