Your AC is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Frederick, MD, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy on the part of your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—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 fail entirely. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, 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 undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at May's Heating & Air, our trained AC installation experts 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 size, number of windows 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 Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at May's Heating & Air also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up 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.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a little higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from May's Heating & Air
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Frederick, MD, with AC maintenance from May's Heating & Air. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 301-690-0397 today!