The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Pacheco, CA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference 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 on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Clean Air HVAC, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Clean Air HVAC also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. 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 Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
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 homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate 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 gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Clean Air HVAC
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Pacheco, CA, with AC maintenance from Clean Air HVAC. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by contacting us at 925-267-6219 today!
