Your AC is blissful relief on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Central Point, OR, nothing feels quite so good as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in very high temperatures can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From reduced efficiency that spikes energy costs to wear and tear that causes failures, operating your AC in hot weather can cause expensive problems.

The problem is, hot weather 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 perform under pressure. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable 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 high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy from your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance

When your air conditioner 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 break. The load caused by hot weather 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

Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with picking the correct size AC system 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 larger than necessary aren’t energy-efficient and may fail to perform properly.

During air conditioning installation at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's size, room configuration 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 High Heat

One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during heat waves is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like key mechanical elements, connections and fluid pressure. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and replacing dirty air filters, minimizing wear by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning also look for any signs of wear or brewing problems to fix, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.

Homeowners can help by doing simple upkeep in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.

Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves

Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three truths to the most common myths 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 runs at the same speed no matter what temperature you set.
  2. Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not reduce your utility bills. Instead, it lets indoor temps rise and leave your system with a bigger job when you return and restart the system. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
  3. Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the most effective option. While high-capacity models have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized delivers consistent comfort.

Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Temperatures

There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:

  •  Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
  •  Do simple 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
  •  Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air entering the home
  •  Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps

Reduce AC Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Titan Heating & Air Conditioning

Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Central Point, OR, with AC maintenance from Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Set up your appointment by calling 541-243-7524 today!