Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Eastland, TX, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects 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 expensive problems.
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 survive the hot weather. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy from your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at J & J Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians 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 square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at J & J Air Conditioning also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Air Conditioning Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from J & J Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Eastland, TX, with AC maintenance from J & J Air Conditioning. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by calling 254-505-3248 today!
