The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Chillicothe, MO, 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 wear and tear that causes breakdowns, 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 AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work 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 AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—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 stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan 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 Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—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 Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts 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 make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. 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 high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid 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 feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Air Conditioning Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Chillicothe, MO, with AC maintenance from Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 660-646-0540 today!