Your air conditioner is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Hudsonville, MI, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to mechanical stress that causes malfunctions, 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 AC unit perform under pressure. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of work 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 drives up your energy expenses. Operating your cooling system in intense summer weather can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
Reducing the risk of your AC shutting down in extreme temps starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, 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 square footage, number of windows and insulation levels are all taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, qualified professionals thoroughly check your AC—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing DIY maintenance in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. Here are three facts to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise 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 leave your AC running.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and run 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 reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services
Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Hudsonville, MI, with AC maintenance from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 616-971-6428 today!
