The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Lambertville, NJ, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count 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 the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy on the part of your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The stress from high temperatures 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 shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner 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 consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Stellitano Home Services, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's size, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Stellitano Home Services also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, 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 swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in helping your system run better.
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 common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- 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 return and restart the system. 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 smartest solution. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Stellitano Home Services
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Lambertville, NJ, with AC maintenance from Stellitano Home Services. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 609-483-2205 today!