Your air conditioner is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Omaha, NE, nothing feels as satisfying 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 mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
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 cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy from your cooling system, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your cooling system has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather 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 parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.
Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home
Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at The Frazier Company, our trained AC installation experts carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows 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 High Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at The Frazier Company also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance 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 Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:
- Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. 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 bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Reduce Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from The Frazier Company
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Omaha, NE, with AC maintenance from The Frazier Company. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 402-581-9502 today!
