Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Modesto, CA, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering 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 May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work from your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts 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 on hot days can push your system too hard, 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 equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary 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 Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, our trained AC installation experts analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC 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 the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. 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 helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- 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 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 most effective option. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block 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 it's hot outside
Avoid AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Modesto, CA, with AC maintenance from Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 209-618-4595 today!