The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Michigan City, IN, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, 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 keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work from your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The stress from high temperatures 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
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps 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 larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Paniccia Heating & Cooling, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your comfort preferences 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.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and refrigerant levels. 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 Paniccia Heating & Cooling also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications 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 runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it allows your house to heat up 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Paniccia Heating & Cooling
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Michigan City, IN, with AC maintenance from Paniccia Heating & Cooling. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by contacting us at 219-872-2198 today!