The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Portland, OR, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes failures, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system make it through the heat. This blog will explore how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
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. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort from your air conditioner, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect AC Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days 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 components, leading to equipment failure 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 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 moderate summer day. Units that are oversized waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at D & R Heating & Air, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan 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 most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at D & R Heating & Air also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Residents can help safeguard their AC by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misunderstandings About Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three facts 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 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 improve energy efficiency. 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 dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat
There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to stop cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
- Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside
Avoid Air Conditioning Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from D & R Heating & Air
Be sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Portland, OR, with AC maintenance from D & R Heating & Air. Our crews will carefully inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by calling 503-678-2517 today!
