Your AC is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Kearney, NE, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather 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 make it through the heat. 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 Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort from your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, 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 equipment failure 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 selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit 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 what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. 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 Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking 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 in
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce AC Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Kearney, NE, with AC maintenance from Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 308-624-3485 today!