Your AC is a welcome escape on a scorching summer day. When the summer heat kicks in in Fort Lauderdale, FL, nothing feels as satisfying as a refreshingly cool 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 hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.

The problem is, sweltering heat is when most people really count on their air conditioner to stay comfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take 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 maintain comfort while safeguarding your cooling system.

Why Your AC Might Struggle to Keep Up

When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the high outdoor temps and the comfortably chilled air you want in your home. Bridging the temperature gap requires a lot of energy from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Affects AC Performance

When your air conditioner has to work extra hard in high heat it becomes less effective—which in turn drives up your energy expenses. Running your AC in extreme heat can put excessive strain on your AC, especially the compressor, possibly causing damage or for it to fail entirely. The load caused by hot weather also can cause wear and tear on other parts, 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 choosing a properly sized AC for your home. An air conditioner that's too small can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.

During air conditioning installation at Solar Air Inc., our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your comfort preferences 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 the capacity to maintain comfort.

Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During Extreme Heat

One of the most effective strategies to increase air conditioning efficiency during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our pre-summer service calls, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning out buildup and debris and installing clean filters, reducing strain by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Solar Air Inc. also check for visible damage or brewing problems to address, which can help prevent avoidable breakdowns during extreme heat.

You can make a difference by doing basic AC system chores in hot weather. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and cleaning the outdoor coils go a long way in helping your system run better.

Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves

Several misconceptions exist about keeping your home cool in hot weather. Here are three clarifications to the most frequent misunderstandings we hear about how to stay comfortable during a heatwave:

  1. Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter where you set the thermostat.
  2. Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you come home and turn the air back on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
  3. Choosing an air conditioner that's too big for your home isn’t the best choice. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other problems. A properly-sized AC delivers consistent comfort.

Ways to Help Your Air Conditioning Handle Extreme Heat

There are many things homeowners can do to prevent an AC overload during heatwaves—while also enjoying a cool and comfortable home:

  •  Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn on fans to circulate air and make the room more comfortable
  •  Do routine 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
  •  Weatherproof 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 during hot weather

Reduce Cooling Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Solar Air Inc.

Be sure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot weather in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with AC maintenance from Solar Air Inc.. Our crews will thoroughly check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Book your appointment by reaching out to our team at 954-466-0951 today!