The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Houston, TX, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will cover 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 Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort from your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures 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
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Air Current AC & Heat, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, 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 easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Air Current AC & Heat also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most common myths 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 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 reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic 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 keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof 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 when it's hot outside
Avoid AC Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Air Current AC & Heat
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Houston, TX, with AC maintenance from Air Current AC & Heat. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 713-257-9226 today!