Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Northglenn, CO, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference 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 from your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures 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
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 have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a moderate summer day. Units that are too big consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated 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 inspect your system—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop 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
Avoid AC Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Northglenn, CO, with AC maintenance from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 303-452-4146 today!