Your AC is a lifesaver on a blazing afternoon. When the summer heat kicks in in Crystal, MN, nothing feels quite so good as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes failures, operating your AC in intense heat can cause expensive problems.

The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your cooling system perform under pressure. This blog will discuss how hot weather affects your air conditioner and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while protecting your HVAC system from damage.

Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up

When it's scorching outside, there's a significant gap between the intense heat outside and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of effort from your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance

When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn increases your utility bills. Operating your cooling system in on hot days can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.

The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC

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 too small can have trouble ensuring your comfort 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 GV Heating & Air, our trained AC installation experts thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.

Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During a Heatwave

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, experienced cooling specialists thoroughly check your AC—checking things like internal components, connections and coolant amounts. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and swapping out clogged filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at GV Heating & Air also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.

Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in hot weather. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.

Common Myths About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures

Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:

  1. Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
  2. Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
  3. Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A properly-sized AC cools your home better.

Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat

There are many things homeowners can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:

  •  Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
  •  Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
  •  Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
  •  Weatherproof windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
  •  Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather

Reduce Cooling Issues in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from GV Heating & Air

Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Crystal, MN, with AC maintenance from GV Heating & Air. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 763-535-2000 today!