Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Port St. Lucie, FL, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes malfunctions, 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 steps you can take to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort 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 high outdoor temps 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, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. 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 breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Custom Air Systems Inc, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan 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 High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during periods of extreme heat is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, connections and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Custom Air Systems Inc also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely 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 adjust the setting slightly 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 bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. 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:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off 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 getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Custom Air Systems Inc
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Port St. Lucie, FL, with AC maintenance from Custom Air Systems Inc. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 772-677-8981 today!
