The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Boynton Beach, FL, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference between the high outdoor temps 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 more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances 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 work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at A2Z Air Inc, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at A2Z Air Inc also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively 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:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build 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.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores 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 in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from A2Z Air Inc
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Boynton Beach, FL, with AC maintenance from A2Z Air Inc. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by calling 561-892-1768 today!
