Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Oxford, MS, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take 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 maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Bridging the temperature gap 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 Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The strain heat puts on your AC 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 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 oversized waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance 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 Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in 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 gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work 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.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other problems. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- 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 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 there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
Make sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Oxford, MS, with AC maintenance from Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 662-281-1231 today!