Your AC is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the temperatures rise in Odessa, TX, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort 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 major difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work from your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed 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 most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning 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 the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. 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 high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking 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 entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Odessa, TX, with AC maintenance from Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by calling 432-289-6309 today!
