The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Auburn, CA, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned 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 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 many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy from your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues 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 choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Forster Heating, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
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 thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Forster Heating also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist 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:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with extra work when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out 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 there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Forster Heating
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Auburn, CA, with AC maintenance from Forster Heating. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 530-903-5878 today!
