The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Holdrege, NE, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will cover how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot 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 energy on the part of your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures 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 shutting down in extreme temps 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 too big consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Durable Service, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Durable Service also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. 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 maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Durable Service
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Holdrege, NE, with AC maintenance from Durable Service. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 308-995-8177 today!
