Your AC is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Newark, OH, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer 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, hot weather is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy on the part of your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. 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 the Correct Size AC is Important
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 too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Luikart Heating & Cooling, 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 square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Luikart Heating & Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths 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 runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly 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 high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Luikart Heating & Cooling
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Newark, OH, with AC maintenance from Luikart Heating & Cooling. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 740-344-5497 today!