Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Muskogee, OK, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes malfunctions, 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 keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work 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 loses efficiency—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, 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 breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., 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, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three facts 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 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 gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job when you get back home and turn it on. 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 best choice. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing 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 high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce AC Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Muskogee, OK, with AC maintenance from Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 918-682-8238 today!