Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Tomball, TX, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will explore the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort from your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure 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 picking the correct size AC system 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 cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Premium Air Services LLC, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed 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 easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Premium Air Services LLC also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misconceptions About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner 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 return and restart the system. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Premium Air Services LLC
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Tomball, TX, with AC maintenance from Premium Air Services LLC. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 713-364-1078 today!