The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Redding, CA, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Running your AC in intense summer weather 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
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 not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are too big waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Allianz Heating & Air, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, 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.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Allianz Heating & Air also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with a bigger job 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 best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
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 use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Allianz Heating & Air
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Redding, CA, with AC maintenance from Allianz Heating & Air. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 530-221-2642 today!
