Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Elk River, MN, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat 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 perform under pressure. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your cooling system 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 put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather 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
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Home Comfort Heating & Air, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows 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 Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Home Comfort Heating & Air 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 the summer heat. 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 Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back on. 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 smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use 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 reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Home Comfort Heating & Air
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Elk River, MN, with AC maintenance from Home Comfort Heating & Air. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 763-276-0617 today!
