Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Oxford, GA, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when most people really count 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 discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC 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 very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work from your air conditioner, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Lowering the chances 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 work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Covington Air Systems, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals inspect your system—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Covington Air Systems also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Covington Air Systems
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Oxford, GA, with AC maintenance from Covington Air Systems. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 770-766-8015 today!