The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Bridgeport, CT, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, 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 selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Custom Air Systems, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
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, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and refrigerant levels. 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 Custom Air Systems also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner 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 lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Adjust your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal 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 Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Custom Air Systems
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Bridgeport, CT, with AC maintenance from Custom Air Systems. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Book your appointment by contacting us at (203) 333-1906 today!