Your AC is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Phoenix, AZ, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures 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 AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in on hot days can overload your cooling system, 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 components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing 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 waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, room configuration and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like internal components, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference 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 helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications 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 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 reduce your utility bills. 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop 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
Reduce Air Conditioning Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Phoenix, AZ, with AC maintenance from Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 602-584-2884 today!