The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Santa Clarita, CA, 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 energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in intense heat 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 explore ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's scorching outside, there's a major difference between the intense heat outside 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 AC unit, making it cycle continuously 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 raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in on hot days can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The stress from high temperatures 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 breaking down in high heat starts with choosing a properly sized AC 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 oversized aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Verona HVAC, 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 what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
How AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Verona HVAC also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in warmer months. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep your AC trouble-free during hot weather:
- Setting your thermostat extremely low does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter where you set the thermostat.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. 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.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the most effective option. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system cools your home better.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Set your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
- Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Problems in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Verona HVAC
Ensure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Santa Clarita, CA, with AC maintenance from Verona HVAC. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by calling 661-449-9765 today!