The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Manor, TX, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to mechanical stress that causes breakdowns, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.
The problem is, hot weather is when many homeowners depend on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner survive the hot weather. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC May Not Keep Up with the Heat
When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the hot outdoor temperature and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy on the part of your air conditioner, 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 raises your electricity costs. Running your AC in intense summer weather can overload your cooling system, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to break. The stress from high temperatures also can cause wear and tear on other components, 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 too small can work harder than necessary to cool your home even on a slightly warm afternoon. Units that are too big aren’t energy-efficient and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at Country Thyme AC & Home Services, 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 overall dimensions, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed to make sure your air conditioner has the capacity to maintain comfort.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat
One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians thoroughly check your AC—checking things like critical parts, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Country Thyme AC & Home Services also check for visible damage or brewing problems to fix, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. 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 Cooling Your Home in High Heat
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications 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 operates at a fixed rate no matter how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it allows your house to heat up 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 most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing temperature swings, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Strategies to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Heat
Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a little higher and turn on fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do simple AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
- Seal windows and doors to stop 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 when there are high temps
Reduce AC Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Country Thyme AC & Home Services
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Manor, TX, with AC maintenance from Country Thyme AC & Home Services. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by contacting us at 512-954-2223 today!