Has the recent heatwave gotten you a little “hot under the collar”? When the Texas sun beats down, you rely on your home’s HVAC system to keep out the sweltering heat. However, you may have noticed that your AC system is struggling under the relentless conditions.
Extreme heat can push your air conditioner to its limits, causing inefficiencies, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns. Don’t sweat it—literally. Understanding how heat impacts your AC and taking a few proactive steps can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer.
The Impact of Extreme Heat on Your AC System
Increased Strain and Reduced Efficiency
Once outdoor temperatures climb past 95°F, your air conditioner has to work overtime to keep your home cool. The higher the temperature, the harder your AC has to push to remove heat from your home and release it outside. This extra effort can reduce the system’s efficiency, meaning it takes longer to cool your space.
Overheating Components
Just like we get tired and overheated in extreme temperatures, so does your AC. The constant demand on the system can cause key components like the compressor and fan motors to overheat. When these components overheat, they can temporarily shut down to prevent damage, leading to intermittent cooling issues where your system turns on and off sporadically.
Overheating doesn’t just cause discomfort; it can lead to long-term damage to critical parts, expensive repairs, or even the need for a complete system replacement. If your AC suddenly stops working during the hottest part of the day, overheating is a likely culprit.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system—it allows your AC to cool the air inside your home. However, refrigerant leaks can become a more common issue in extreme heat. High temperatures can cause the lines carrying refrigerant to expand, increasing the chances of cracks and leaks.
When refrigerant leaks out, your AC’s ability to cool diminishes significantly. Not only does this mean your home won’t get as cool, but it also forces your system to work even harder to try and maintain the desired temperature. This can lead to a vicious cycle of inefficiency, higher energy bills, and potential damage to the compressor.
A refrigerant leak isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious problem that can also have environmental and health impacts. Refrigerants like R-22 (commonly known as Freon) are harmful to the environment, contributing to ozone depletion. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s essential that you call Wright’s Air immediately.
Dirty Air Filters and Reduced Airflow
One of the simplest yet most important aspects of maintaining your AC system is keeping the air filters clean. During the summer, filters can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other debris much faster than usual. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your AC to work harder to push cool air through your home.
When airflow is reduced, your system’s efficiency drops and the air inside your home might not feel as cool as it should. Dirty filters can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to further issues with cooling and potentially causing water damage as the ice melts.
The good news is that this problem is easy to prevent. Checking and replacing your air filters regularly—ideally once a month during a heatwave—can ensure your AC runs smoothly.
Power Grid Overload
When temperatures soar, everyone cranks up their AC, leading to a massive increase in electricity demand. This spike in usage can strain the power grid, especially in a densely populated area like the DFW Metroplex.
When the grid is overloaded, it can cause brownouts (temporary drops in voltage) or even blackouts. This leaves you without power and puts your AC at risk of damage from power surges when the electricity comes back on.
Consider investing in a surge protector for your HVAC system to protect your AC from power surges. This small investment can save you from expensive repairs or replacement costs down the line.
Tips for Optimizing AC Performance
Proper Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your AC system, controlling when it turns on and off to maintain your desired temperature. It’s tempting to set the thermostat as low as possible during extreme heat to keep cool, but this can do more harm than good.
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it when you’re away or asleep. This setting strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. For every degree you lower your thermostat below 78°F, you increase your energy consumption by about 8%. So, cranking it down to 70°F could significantly increase your electric bill without necessarily making your home cooler any faster.
If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set schedules or control the temperature remotely, ensuring your home is cool when needed without wasting energy when it isn’t.
Attic Insulation
You might not think about your attic much, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your home cool. Proper attic insulation helps to keep the hot air out and the cool air in, reducing the load on your AC. Without sufficient insulation, heat can seep into your home, making your AC work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, proper insulation can reduce your energy bills by up to 40%. It’s a relatively simple upgrade that can significantly impact, especially in areas with extreme summer temperatures.
Routine Maintenance
The outdoor unit’s condenser coils release the heat your AC removes from your home.
Over time, these coils can become covered in dirt, dust, and debris, reducing their ability to dissipate heat effectively. This forces your system to work harder, increasing the risk of overheating and failure.
At Wright’s Air, we offer Comfort Assurance Plans that provide you peace of mind, knowing that your HVAC is well and properly cared for. We can keep your AC clean and in top shape to help prevent these issues.
Checking for Air Duct Leaks
Leaky air ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches your living spaces, making your AC work harder and driving up your energy bills.
We recommend that you inspect your ductwork for any visible signs of leaks, such as holes or gaps. Sealing these leaks with mastic or foil tape can help improve your system’s efficiency and keep your home more comfortable.
Of course, you can always call us if you don’t feel qualified to make repairs such as this. We would be happy to help!
Shade and Airflow Management
Another easy way to help your AC perform better is to ensure it’s adequately shaded and has adequate airflow around the outdoor unit. Placing the unit in a shaded area or installing a shade cover can reduce the temperature of the air the unit is pulling in, making it easier for the system to cool your home.
Additionally, make sure there are at least 2-4 feet of clearance around the unit by trimming back any overgrown plants, bushes, or other obstructions. This ensures the unit has enough airflow to operate efficiently and prevents debris from entering the system.
Wright’s Air Takes Care Of You
While there’s a lot you can do to keep your AC running smoothly, some issues require professional expertise. If you notice persistent inefficiency or refrigerant leaks, or if your system shuts down entirely, it’s time to call your friends at Wright’s Air.
Regular professional inspections and tune-ups, ideally scheduled before the hottest part of the year, can help catch and fix potential problems before they become costly emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Extreme heat can damage your air conditioning system. Still, with the proper care and attention, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. By understanding how high temperatures affect your AC, implementing simple maintenance routines, and knowing when to call in the pros, you can beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Stay cool out there, Texas!