Your air conditioner is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Port Clinton, OH, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit survive the hot weather. This blog will cover how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, 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 more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
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 too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc., our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Temperatures
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 circulate 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 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 during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Port Clinton, OH, with AC maintenance from Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling 419-732-2121 today!