Your air conditioner is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Laurel, MD, nothing feels as nice 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 physical strain that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC 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 major difference between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of work on the part of your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in extreme heat can push your system too hard, 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 components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at H&C Heating and Cooling, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system 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 what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at H&C Heating and Cooling also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the most effective option. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic 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 block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize 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 when there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from H&C Heating and Cooling
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Laurel, MD, with AC maintenance from H&C Heating and Cooling. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 301-235-2937 today!