Your AC is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Clearwater, FL, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes failures, 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 keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures 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 Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in extreme heat can push your system too hard, 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
Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are too big consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning, our trained AC installation experts analyze your home’s specific layout and features 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.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, 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 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 Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. 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 cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise 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 keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit 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, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Clearwater, FL, with AC maintenance from Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by calling 727-219-2325 today!
