Your air conditioner is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, nothing feels as nice as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do 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 maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the ideal indoor climate you expect. 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 cooling system has to run nonstop it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Running your AC in intense summer weather can put excessive strain on your AC, 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.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, our skilled cooling professionals analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three facts 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 runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. 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.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to reduce the risk of an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC chores 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 heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce AC Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, with AC maintenance from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by reaching out to our team at 715-564-8958 today!