The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise in Lincoln, NE, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in intense summer heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in extreme temperatures can cause damage to your system—and your budget.

The problem is, sweltering heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your AC unit make it through the heat. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while protecting your HVAC system from damage.

Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up

When it's very hot outdoors, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of effort on the part of your AC unit, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance

When your air conditioner has to run nonstop it loses efficiency—which in turn increases your utility bills. 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 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 shutting down in extreme temps 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 mild day. Units that are larger than necessary waste energy and may struggle to dehumidify.

During air conditioning installation at AW Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians carefully evaluate your property 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 carefully reviewed 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 with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, qualified professionals inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and swapping out clogged filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at AW Heating & Air Conditioning also check for visible damage or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.

You can make a difference by doing simple upkeep in the summer heat. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and clearing debris from the outside unit go a long way in helping your system run better.

Common Misunderstandings About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures

Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in high temperatures. Here are three facts to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:

  1. Setting your thermostat extremely low does not make your home colder faster. Your AC runs at the same speed no matter how low you set the temperature.
  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 return and restart the system. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still leave your AC running.
  3. Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing temperature swings, high humidity and other problems. A right-sized system performs more efficiently.

Ways to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat

Homeowners can take several steps to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:

  •  Adjust your thermostat just a bit higher and run fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler
  •  Do basic AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like inspecting and replacing air filters, and cleaning outdoor unit coils
  •  Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
  •  Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking out or hot air getting in
  •  Don't run high-heat appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside

Avoid Cooling Issues During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from AW Heating & Air Conditioning

Make sure your air conditioner is all set for the hot weather in Lincoln, NE, with AC maintenance from AW Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will meticulously check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Book your appointment by contacting us at 402-438-7992 today!