Your AC is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Genoa, IL, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature 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, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
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 stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home 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 save energy. 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 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 properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies 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 staying comfortable:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Genoa, IL, with AC maintenance from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by contacting us at 847-260-9583 today!
