Your AC is a lifesaver on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Columbus, GA, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat 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 damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count 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 cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. 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 Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather 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 components, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
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 have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at DNA Heating & Air, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at DNA Heating & Air also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly 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 using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit 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 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 most effective option. While high-capacity models 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 System Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move 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
- Shut 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 like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from DNA Heating & Air
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Columbus, GA, with AC maintenance from DNA Heating & Air. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by calling (706) 349-1414 today!
