Your AC is blissful relief on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Siloam Springs, AR, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather 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 perform under pressure. This blog will explore ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
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 work on the part of your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in on hot days can overload your cooling system, 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 parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat 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 aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Siloam Springs Heating & AC, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Siloam Springs Heating & AC also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Adjust your thermostat a little higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Siloam Springs Heating & AC
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Siloam Springs, AR, with AC maintenance from Siloam Springs Heating & AC. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by contacting us at 479-448-2261 today!
