The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in New Castle, PA, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned 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 mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures 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 AC unit survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
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. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of effort from your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures 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
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Central Heating & Plumbing, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, 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 a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Central Heating & Plumbing also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively 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:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job when you get back home and turn it 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 most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Cooling Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Central Heating & Plumbing
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in New Castle, PA, with AC maintenance from Central Heating & Plumbing. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 724-401-1843 today!