Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Manassas, VA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat 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 the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy from your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can overload your cooling system, 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 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 shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home 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 Air-Right Energy Design, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Air-Right Energy Design also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate 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 allows your house to heat up and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC 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, high humidity and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid AC Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Air-Right Energy Design
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Manassas, VA, with AC maintenance from Air-Right Energy Design. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by contacting us at 703-260-9467 today!
