Your AC is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Bartlesville, OK, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes failures, 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 practical ways to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort on the part of your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. 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
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Farris Heating & Air, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit 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 enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Farris Heating & Air also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you come home and turn the air back 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 smartest solution. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Farris Heating & Air
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Bartlesville, OK, with AC maintenance from Farris Heating & Air. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling 918-333-0376 today!