
Your AC is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Carpentersville, IL, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count 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 cover 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 very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat 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 equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC 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 waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Controlled Comfort HVAC, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features 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 taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
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 to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Controlled Comfort HVAC also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Air Conditioning Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Controlled Comfort HVAC
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Carpentersville, IL, with AC maintenance from Controlled Comfort HVAC. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by calling 224-335-9783 today!