Your AC is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Dundas, MN, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your AC unit survive the hot weather. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in intense summer weather 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 parts, leading to mechanical issues 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 selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Better Air, 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 overall dimensions, room configuration and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Better Air also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work 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 uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Better Air
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Dundas, MN, with AC maintenance from Better Air. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 507-663-1208 today!