The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Cocoa, FL, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to physical strain that causes breakdowns, 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 stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of effort on the part of your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in on hot days can push your system too hard, 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 It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are too big waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at The Chilly Pig, 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 size, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
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 seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at The Chilly Pig also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- 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.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. 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 performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your Cooling 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:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic 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 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 such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from The Chilly Pig
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Cocoa, FL, with AC maintenance from The Chilly Pig. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 321-205-1234 today!