Your AC is a welcome escape on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Winnipeg, MB, nothing feels as nice as a refreshingly air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have damaging impacts on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to physical strain that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in hot weather can cause damage to your system—and your budget.
The problem is, oppressive heat is when the average household relies on their air conditioner to keep their home cool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your cooling system survive the hot weather. This blog will cover the effects of summer heat on cooling systems and summer cooling tips to maintain comfort while protecting your HVAC system from damage.
Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather
When it's very hot outdoors, there's a major difference between the high outdoor temps and the cool indoor temperature you desire. Closing that difference between the two temperatures requires a lot of energy on the part of your AC unit, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Air Conditioning Performance
When your AC unit has to work extra hard in high heat it operates less efficiently—which in turn raises your electricity costs. Using your air conditioner in on hot days 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 components, leading to mechanical issues that require air conditioning repair.
The Importance of Proper Sizing of Your AC
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 too big aren’t energy-efficient and may cause uneven cooling or high humidity.
During air conditioning installation at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians analyze your home’s specific layout and features and your comfort preferences to find the ideal AC for your home. Factors like your home's overall dimensions, 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 High Heat
One of the easiest ways to increase your AC efficiency during hot summer spells is to schedule expert air conditioning maintenance. During our seasonal AC maintenance visits, trained HVAC technicians evaluate the entire unit—checking things like internal components, electrical wiring and coolant amounts. They also boost efficiency by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, easing the load by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning also inspect for potential issues or brewing problems to repair, which can help avoid mid-season failures during extreme heat.
Homeowners can help by doing DIY maintenance in warmer months. Activities such as checking and replacing dirty air filters and making sure the coils on the outdoor unit are clean go a long way in enabling the unit to operate efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Air Conditioning Homes During Heatwaves
Several myths persist about using your AC effectively in high temperatures. Here are three truths to the most popular misconceptions we hear about how to keep homes cool in 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 how low you set the temperature.
- Powering down your AC unit when you're not home does not improve energy efficiency. Instead, it allows your house to heat up and leave your system with extra work when you return and restart the system. It's better to dial the temp back a few degrees when you leave—but still keep the system on.
- Selecting a larger-than-needed AC unit for your home isn’t the best choice. While large systems have more power, they can finish cooling quickly and shut off too soon, causing inconsistent temperatures, high humidity and other performance issues. A right-sized system delivers consistent comfort.
Ways to Help Your Cooling System Handle Extreme Temperatures
There's a lot you can do to avoid an AC overload during heatwaves—while also keeping cool:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
- Do routine AC upkeep in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and cleaning 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 inside
- Don't run heat-generating appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers during hot weather
Avoid Cooling Breakdowns in Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning
Ensure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Winnipeg, MB, with AC maintenance from Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. Our crews will meticulously examine and service your unit, making sure it’s running at its best. Book your appointment by contacting us at 204-813-7767 today!
