Your AC is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Narvon, PA, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.

The problem is, sweltering heat is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take 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 maintain comfort while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.

Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather

When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance

When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.

Why It's So Important to Have the Right Size AC in Your Home

Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.

During air conditioning installation at Ameri-Tec, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to choose the best-cooling system for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.

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 invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Ameri-Tec 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 the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.

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 popular misconceptions we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:

  1. Lowering the temperature way down does not cool your home faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
  2. Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
  3. Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.

Strategies to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat

There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:

  •  Raise your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
  •  Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
  •  Draw blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
  •  Weatherproof 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 during hot weather

Avoid Air Conditioning Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Ameri-Tec

Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Narvon, PA, with AC maintenance from Ameri-Tec. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 717-844-9228 today!