The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Chester, IL, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work from your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, 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 mechanical issues 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 breaking down in high heat starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc., our skilled cooling professionals 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 the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. 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 basic AC system chores 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 hot weather. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. 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.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof 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 there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Chester, IL, with AC maintenance from Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by contacting us at 618-826-2151 today!
