Your AC is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Magnolia, TX, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat 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 AC unit survive the hot weather. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy from your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. 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 stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
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 not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are too big consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at JTech Mechanical, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at JTech Mechanical also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference 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 enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- 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.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with a bigger job when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from JTech Mechanical
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Magnolia, TX, with AC maintenance from JTech Mechanical. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by calling 281-410-8002 today!