The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Portland, OR, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have harmful consequences on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to wear and tear 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 the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are practical ways to help your air conditioner perform under pressure. This blog will discuss ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot outside, there's a major 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 work on the part of your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Could Affect Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, 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
Reducing the risk of your AC overheating and failing starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's undersized can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are oversized consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.
During air conditioning installation at All Solutions Heating & Cooling, 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 taken into account to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.
Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during periods of extreme heat is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, experienced cooling specialists inspect your system—checking things like critical parts, connections and fluid pressure. 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 All Solutions Heating & Cooling also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as inspecting HVAC filters regularly and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Myths About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in hot weather. 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 speed up the cooling process. Your AC will cool your home at a steady pace no matter what temperature you set.
- Turning off your air conditioner 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 return and restart the system. It's better to lower the temperature 5–10 degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
- 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 uneven cooling, moisture buildup and other performance issues. A right-sized system 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 enjoying a cool and comfortable home:
- Raise your thermostat a little higher and use fans to move air and make the room feel cooler
- Do routine AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and rinsing outdoor unit coils
- Shut blinds and curtains to block out sunlight
- Weatherproof windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
- Don't run heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when there are high temps
Avoid Cooling Problems During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from All Solutions Heating & Cooling
Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Portland, OR, with AC maintenance from All Solutions Heating & Cooling. Our crews will meticulously inspect and clean your unit, making sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 971-414-2639 today!
