Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Harrisonville, MO, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly 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 physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat 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 air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work from your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The load caused by hot weather 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
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Balance Point Heating & Cooling, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Balance Point Heating & Cooling also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. 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 Misconceptions About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- 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 dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the most effective option. While large systems 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 performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores 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
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Balance Point Heating & Cooling
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Harrisonville, MO, with AC maintenance from Balance Point Heating & Cooling. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 816-265-0448 today!