Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Safford, AZ, 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 mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while safeguarding your cooling system.
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 ideal indoor climate you expect. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of work on the part of your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues 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 choosing a properly sized AC 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 oversized waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at B&D Air Conditioning, 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 overall dimensions, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, connections and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at B&D Air Conditioning also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. 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.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to circulate 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
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from B&D Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Safford, AZ, with AC maintenance from B&D Air Conditioning. Our crews will thoroughly inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 928-506-3166 today!