The temperatures in Dallas over the next few days are going to be brutal. The relentless heat can turn your home into an oven if you’re unprepared. With daytime temps expected to soar well over 100°F, your air conditioner will be more than just a convenience— it’ll be a lifesaver.
Prolonged periods of extreme heat significantly strain your air conditioner, which has to work harder to keep your home cool. If you’ve ever wondered why your air conditioner seems to struggle more on those sweltering days or noticed your energy bills creeping up, you’re not alone.
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to help your AC operate efficiently, even in the most extreme heat. Let’s examine how you can keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank or overworking your air conditioner.
Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat on Your AC
When the summer heat peaks, your air conditioner is likely running non-stop to keep your home cool. This constant operation can take a toll on the system, especially when outdoor temperatures rise above the high 90s.
At this point, the outdoor unit of your AC struggles to release the heat it’s pulling from your home because the air outside is already so hot.
Increased Strain on Components
The higher the temperature, the harder your AC has to work. Components like the compressor and fan motors are especially vulnerable to overheating.
If your AC unit is not the right size for your home, it might be working overtime to meet the cooling demand, leading to quicker wear and tear. An undersized unit may run continuously without effectively cooling your space. At the same time, an oversized unit might cool too quickly without adequately removing humidity, leaving your home feeling clammy.
Common Issues During Heatwaves
When your AC is under this much strain, several issues can arise. You might notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling as effectively, or it might take much longer to bring your home to a comfortable temperature.
In some cases, the system might even shut down temporarily to prevent overheating. Here are some common problems that often occur during extreme heat:
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency: Your AC might blow warm air or struggle to maintain the desired temperature.
- Longer Cooling Times: It may take longer to cool your home, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures peak.
- Complete System Shutdowns: In extreme cases, the system might shut down to prevent damage, leaving you without any cooling until it cools down enough to restart.
- Dirty Air Filters: Dust and debris accumulate faster during hot weather, clogging filters and reducing airflow.
- Refrigerant Leaks: These can reduce the cooling efficiency of your AC and damage the system over time.
- Clogged Condenser Coils: Dirt and debris on the condenser coils can prevent your AC from expelling heat properly, leading to overheating.
Understanding these challenges is the first step in keeping your air conditioner running smoothly through the hottest month of the year.
Optimizing AC Performance in Extreme Heat
So, how can you help your AC keep up with the heat? You can employ several strategies to optimize your air conditioner’s performance and keep your home cool and comfortable.
Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest ways to reduce strain on your AC is to manage your thermostat settings wisely. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it to 82°F when you’re away. While it might be tempting to lower the thermostat to cool your home faster, this puts more strain on the system and can lead to higher energy bills without making your home comfortable any quicker.
For even better control, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, ensuring your home is cool when you need it to be and saving energy when you don’t.
Some smart thermostats even have geofencing features that adjust the temperature based on your location, so your home is always at the perfect temperature when you arrive.
Shading and Protecting the Unit
Your AC’s outdoor unit works by expelling the heat it has removed from your home. But if the unit itself is sitting in direct sunlight, it has to work even harder to get rid of that heat. You can help it out by providing some shade.
Planting shrubs or trees around the unit can block some sunlight, reducing the temperature around it and helping it operate more efficiently. Just be sure to keep plants and other debris at least 2-4 feet away from the unit to allow for proper airflow.
Additionally, clear away any grass, weeds, or other debris that might obstruct the airflow to and from the unit. Proper airflow is essential for your AC to function correctly, and any blockages can lead to overheating and reduced efficiency.
Sealing Air Duct Leaks
Leaky air ducts can cause cooled air to escape before it reaches the rooms in your home, making your AC work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This reduces efficiency and increases wear and tear on the system.
Sealing these leaks can help improve your air conditioner’s overall performance and ensure that all the cool air your system produces is being used effectively.
You can seal small leaks yourself using mastic or foil tape, but for a thorough inspection and sealing, it’s best to call on us. We can check the entire system for leaks and ensure your ductwork is in good shape.
Attic Insulation
Proper insulation in your attic can make a huge difference in how hard your AC works to keep your home cool. Insulation helps to keep the heat out during the summer, reducing the load on your air conditioner.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can save up to 40% on cooling costs with proper insulation. If your attic isn’t well-insulated, it is never too late to fix it. Not only will it keep your home cooler, but it will also help your AC run more efficiently and last longer.
Avoiding Overuse
It’s important to remember that setting your thermostat lower will not cool your home faster, but it will increase your energy consumption. For every degree below 78°F, your energy use can increase by about 8%.
Instead of cranking down the thermostat, set it to a comfortable level and let the system do its job. Giving your AC breaks during peak heat times can also prevent it from overheating and reduce energy consumption.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping your AC running smoothly, especially during the hot summer months. Regularly replacing your air filters is one of the simplest but most effective maintenance tasks. During the summer, check your filters at least once a month and replace them if they’re dirty. A clean filter ensures that air can flow freely through the system, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of breakdowns.
Professional maintenance is also essential. Call on Admirable Air to clean your condenser coils, check refrigerant levels, and inspect your system for any potential issues that could become major problems during a heatwave.
While it’s wise to schedule this tune-up before the heatwave hits… we’re always available to help you any time you need. Your safety and comfort is our top priority!
Considering Upgrades
If your AC is over 10-15 years old and struggling to keep up with the heat, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Newer models are much more energy-efficient and can cool your home more effectively while using less energy. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and reduce the strain on the system during extreme heat. New systems often come with warranties that can save you money on repairs.
If you’re worried about the cost of a new system, look into federal tax credits and local utility incentives that can help offset the cost. Over time, the energy savings from a new, efficient system can make the investment worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Extreme summer heat, like what we are facing the next few days, can put a lot of pressure on your air conditioning system. Yet, with the right strategies, you can keep your home cool and your AC running efficiently. By understanding the impact of high temperatures, optimizing your system’s performance, taking preventive measures, and managing energy consumption, you can ensure that your AC can handle even the hottest summer days.
Please don’t wait until your AC is on its last legs to start thinking about maintenance and efficiency. Take action now to prepare your system for the heat and enjoy a cool, comfortable home all summer long.
If you ever feel unsure about your AC’s performance or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to call in your friends from Admirable Air. A little attention now can save you a lot of headaches—and money—down the road.