Your AC is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Milledgeville, GA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems 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 extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap 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 AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. 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 load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Lowering the chances of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that 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 routine tune-ups, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC 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 Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. 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 speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big 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, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Air Concepts of Middle Georgia
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Milledgeville, GA, with AC maintenance from Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 478-221-9857 today!