Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Jefferson, WI, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, 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 from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, 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 components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Pratt Brothers, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Pratt Brothers also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate 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 get back home and turn it 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 most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Air Conditioning Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Pratt Brothers
Make sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Jefferson, WI, with AC maintenance from Pratt Brothers. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by calling 920-545-1910 today!