The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Chelan, WA, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort from 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 nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Running your AC in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The load caused by hot weather 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 picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Lakeside Heating & Air, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. 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 Lakeside Heating & Air also look for any signs of wear 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 warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back 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 large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Lakeside Heating & Air
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Chelan, WA, with AC maintenance from Lakeside Heating & Air. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 509-300-1829 today!
