The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Carson City, NV, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage 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 steps you can take to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system 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 mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Anderson Heating & A/C, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system 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 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 periods of extreme heat is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Anderson Heating & A/C also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace 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 gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and use 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 cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Anderson Heating & A/C
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Carson City, NV, with AC maintenance from Anderson Heating & A/C. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 775-577-8761 today!