Your AC is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in West Columbia, SC, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes failures, 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 air conditioner make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort from your air conditioner, 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. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather 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
Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat 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 slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Tri City Fuel & Heating, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration 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 High 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, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Tri City Fuel & Heating also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions 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 will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up 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 keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Tri City Fuel & Heating
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in West Columbia, SC, with AC maintenance from Tri City Fuel & Heating. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 803-592-9776 today!
