The AC unit in your home is a welcome escape on a blazing afternoon. When the hot weather arrives in Bend, OR, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From increased energy usage to physical strain 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 simple things you can do to help your air conditioner make it through the heat. This blog will discuss the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to help you stay cool while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.

Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather

When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the intense heat outside and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy from your cooling system, requiring it to run constantly to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance

When your cooling system has to run nonstop it operates less efficiently—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Using your air conditioner in extreme heat can push your system too hard, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to stop working. The strain heat puts on your AC also can cause wear and tear on other parts, leading to equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.

Why the Correct Size AC is Important

Reducing the risk of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can work harder than necessary 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 Tri County Climate Control LLC, our experienced HVAC technicians thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's size, number of windows and insulation levels are all carefully reviewed 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 smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during periods of extreme heat is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, experienced cooling specialists evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and fluid pressure. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and replacing dirty air filters, easing the load by improving airflow through the system. The technicians at Tri County Climate Control LLC also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to address, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.

Homeowners can help by doing basic AC system chores in the summer heat. Activities such as swapping out old AC air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.

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 stay comfortable during a heatwave:

  1. Setting your thermostat extremely low does not cool your home faster. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
  2. Turning off your air conditioner when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with a bigger job 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. Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing uneven cooling, high humidity and other problems. A right-sized system cools your home better.

Ways to Help Your System Handle Extreme Heat

There's a lot you can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also staying comfortable:

  •  Raise your thermostat just a bit higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
  •  Do basic AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
  •  Close 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 high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside

Avoid AC Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Tri County Climate Control LLC

Make sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Bend, OR, with AC maintenance from Tri County Climate Control LLC. Our crews will carefully examine and service your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Schedule your appointment by reaching out to our team at 541-546-1393 today!