Your AC is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Corpus Christi, TX, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major difference between the hot outdoor temperature 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, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance
When your cooling system has to run more often, or even constantly 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 break. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues 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 overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Total Assurance AC & Heating, 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 overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Total Assurance AC & Heating also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, 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 inspecting HVAC filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home 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 improve energy efficiency. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep 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
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Reduce Air Conditioning Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Total Assurance AC & Heating
Make sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Corpus Christi, TX, with AC maintenance from Total Assurance AC & Heating. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 361-446-6925 today!
