Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Haines City, FL, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge 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 energy on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The strain heat puts on your AC 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
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are too big waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., our experienced HVAC technicians 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 size, 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.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three facts 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 will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Haines City, FL, with AC maintenance from Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Book your appointment by calling 863-343-0920 today!