The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Spokane, WA, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies 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 how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching 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 AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Running your AC in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, 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 components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
Why the Correct Size AC is Important
Lowering the chances of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like critical parts, connections and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling 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 basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths 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 homes cool in a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit 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, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Bigfoot Heating & Cooling
Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Spokane, WA, with AC maintenance from Bigfoot Heating & Cooling. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by calling 509-472-8623 today!
