The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Pflugerville, TX, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system make it through the heat. This blog will cover how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, 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 mechanical issues 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 shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Evenaire 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 basic AC system chores in the summer heat. 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 maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- 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 temperature swings, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal 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
Avoid Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Pflugerville, TX, with AC maintenance from Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 512-337-4337 today!
