The AC unit in your home is blissful relief on a hot summer day. When the hot weather arrives in Thousand Palms, CA, nothing feels as satisfying as a pleasantly cool home. Unfortunately, running your AC in extreme heat can have negative effects on your HVAC system. From energy inefficiency that runs up your power bills to wear and tear that causes malfunctions, operating your AC in intense heat 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 survive the hot weather. This blog will cover ways high temperatures affect your AC and summer cooling tips to keep you comfortable while protecting your HVAC system from damage.

Why Your AC Has Problems Keeping Up in Hot Weather

When it's scorching outside, there's a huge difference between the high outdoor temps and the ideal indoor climate you expect. Cooling your home down to the desired indoor temperature requires a lot of energy from your air conditioner, making it cycle continuously to try to cool down your home.

How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Performance

When your AC unit 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 push your system too hard, 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 equipment failure that require air conditioning repair.

Why the Correct Size AC is Important

Lowering the chances of your AC breaking down in high heat starts with selecting the right size air conditioner for your home. An air conditioner that's not powerful enough can struggle to cool your home even on a mild day. Units that are larger than necessary consume more power and may struggle to dehumidify.

During air conditioning installation at Marios Air Conditioning, our skilled cooling professionals thoroughly assess your home and your personal cooling needs to recommend the right unit for your home. Factors like your home's square footage, floor plan and insulation levels are all evaluated to make sure your air conditioner has enough power to cool your home efficiently.

Ways that AC Maintenance Helps Protect Your AC During High Heat

One of the smartest ways to boost air conditioner effectiveness during hot summer spells is with routine air conditioning maintenance. During our routine tune-ups, trained HVAC technicians inspect your system—checking things like key mechanical elements, electrical wiring and refrigerant levels. They also enhance system performance by cleaning your unit and installing clean filters, minimizing wear by allowing air to move freely through the system. The technicians at Marios 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 the summer heat. 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 maintaining optimal performance.

Common Misconceptions About Staying Cool in Extreme Temperatures

Several misconceptions exist about using your AC effectively in extreme heat. Here are three clarifications to the most common myths we hear about how to keep homes cool in a heatwave:

  1. Drastically lowering the temperature setting does not speed up the cooling process. Your AC operates at a fixed rate no matter what temperature you set.
  2. Shutting your AC off completely when you're not home does not save energy. Instead, it gives heat a chance to build and leave your system with more to do when you get back home and turn it on. It's better to adjust the setting slightly when you leave—but still keep the system on.
  3. Installing an oversized AC for your home isn’t the smartest solution. While bigger units have more power, they can cool a small space too quickly, causing inconsistent temperatures, moisture buildup and other problems. A unit that's appropriately sized performs more efficiently.

Strategies to Help Your HVAC System Handle Extreme Heat

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

  •  Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and run fans to move air and make the room more comfortable
  •  Do simple AC chores in between professional HVAC maintenance visits like checking and replacing air filters, and hosing off outdoor unit coils
  •  Shut blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain from sunlight
  •  Seal windows and doors to minimize cool air from leaking out or hot air getting inside
  •  Don't run high-heat appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers when it's hot outside

Avoid Cooling Breakdowns During Hot Weather with AC Maintenance from Marios Air Conditioning

Be sure your air conditioner is ready for the hot weather in Thousand Palms, CA, with AC maintenance from Marios Air Conditioning. Our crews will carefully check and tune up your unit, making sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Set up your appointment by calling 760-766-2294 today!