The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Eugene, OR, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems 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 very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work on the part of your cooling system, 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 becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in extreme heat can overload your cooling system, 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 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 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 waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Home Comfort, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, room configuration 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 Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Home Comfort also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings 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 where you set the thermostat.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid AC Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Home Comfort
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Eugene, OR, with AC maintenance from Home Comfort. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by calling 541-345-2838 today!