Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Morganville, NJ, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather 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 AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy from your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, 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 mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances 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 struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Perfect Air & Water Services, 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 overall dimensions, number of windows 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 Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Perfect Air & Water Services also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils 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 hot weather. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- 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 come home and turn the air back on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly 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 uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Perfect Air & Water Services
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Morganville, NJ, with AC maintenance from Perfect Air & Water Services. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling 848-361-4516 today!
