The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Pella, IA, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC 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 scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work on the part of your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. 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 picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account 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 to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
- 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 extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid 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 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
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Pella, IA, with AC maintenance from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by contacting us at 641-628-3621 today!
