Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Northridge, CA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy on the part of your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, 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.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help 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 maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- 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 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Northridge, CA, with AC maintenance from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling (818) 727-9993 today!
