The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Saint Louis, MO, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work from your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days 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
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are oversized waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help 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 enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths 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 how low you set the temperature.
- Turning off your air conditioner 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 keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent 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 Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Saint Louis, MO, with AC maintenance from Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by calling 314-310-0363 today!