The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the temperatures rise in Mount Pleasant, SC, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC 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 extremely hot outside, 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 energy on the part of your cooling system, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to run more often, or even constantly it becomes less effective—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. 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 the Correct Size AC is Important
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can have trouble ensuring your comfort even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Olde Towne Heating & Air, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit 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 what it takes to handle summer heat effectively.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. 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 Olde Towne Heating & Air also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, 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 inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures
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 stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
- Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you come home and turn the air back on. 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 smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other problems. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Adjust your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to block out 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 Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Olde Towne Heating & Air
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Mount Pleasant, SC, with AC maintenance from Olde Towne Heating & Air. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 843-806-2049 today!