Your AC is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Muldrow, OK, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when most people really count 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 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 scorching outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously 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 put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The stress from high temperatures 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 breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort 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 Air Service Co., our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan 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 a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Air Service Co. also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- 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 improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce AC Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Air Service Co.
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Muldrow, OK, with AC maintenance from Air Service Co.. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by calling 918-215-7608 today!
