Your AC is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Pocatello, ID, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat 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 simple things you can do to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will cover how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. 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
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC 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 oversized consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Vogts Heating & Air, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration 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 High Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is with routine 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 out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Vogts Heating & Air also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. 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 what temperature you set.
- 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 a bigger job when you come home and turn the air back on. 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 smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal 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 when it's hot outside
Avoid AC Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Vogts Heating & Air
Make sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Pocatello, ID, with AC maintenance from Vogts Heating & Air. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 208-244-7042 today!