The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Yukon, OK, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress 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 the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns 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 clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent 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 Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Yukon, OK, with AC maintenance from Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 405-494-7444 today!
