The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Moline, IL, nothing feels as satisfying 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 mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies 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 the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work from your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in on hot days can push your system too hard, 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 breaking down in high heat 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 slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning 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 simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up 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 leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Moline, IL, with AC maintenance from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 309-865-5115 today!