The AC unit in your home is a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Phoenix, AZ, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, hot weather is when most people really count on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will explore 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 Might Struggle to Keep Up
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a significant gap between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy from your AC unit, forcing it to operate nonstop to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance
When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in intense summer weather can push your system too hard, 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 parts, leading to equipment failure 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 overheating and failing starts with picking the correct size AC system for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a moderate summer day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may fail to perform properly.
During air conditioning installation at Integrity AC & Heating LLC, our skilled cooling professionals carefully evaluate your property and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, room configuration and insulation levels are all taken into account 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 easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Integrity AC & Heating LLC also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about keeping your home cool in extreme heat. Here are three facts to the most common myths we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:
- Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner 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 get back home and turn it on. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other performance issues. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your AC Handle Extreme Temperatures
Homeowners can take several steps to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Draw blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Reduce Cooling Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Integrity AC & Heating LLC
Ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Phoenix, AZ, with AC maintenance from Integrity AC & Heating LLC. Our crews will thoroughly examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by contacting us at 602-971-0567 today!
