Your A/C In Extreme Temperatures

Get ready, Carolinas. Summer officially begins Friday, June 20th, and it’s making a grand entrance!

Scorching temperatures are in the forecast this week as the heat and humidity continue to build.  Feels-like temperatures are expected to be in triple digits as humidity levels climb into the uncomfortable range.

Under these conditions, your AC system will consume more energy, run longer, and perform less efficiently.  This could potentially lead to major components of the system overheating. 

Extreme temperatures present a significant challenge to residential air conditioning systems as they are designed to cool the inside of your home to a temperature approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler that the outside temperature.  Example: If it's 90 degrees outside, a standard AC system should be able to cool the inside to around 70 degrees.

So, if your home seems to be a little warmer on the hottest days, do not be alarmed. There is likely nothing wrong with your system.

Get The Most Out of Your A/C In Extreme Temperatures

There are some things you can do to maximize your system’s effectiveness even as it struggles to keep things cool.

Check your filters. The first tip for preparing your system for a heat wave – check and change your air filters.  Dirty filters will make your system work harder, which can lead to a breakdown at exactly the wrong time.

Do not mess with the thermostat. Set it at the highest comfortable temperature and leave it alone. Turning the thermostat down drastically will NOT cool your house any faster and can stress your system.

Avoid unnecessary heat sources. Turn off or avoid using anything that will produce heat in your home. This means shutting off unnecessary light fixtures and minimizing the use of the stove and dryer.

Use your ceiling fans. If you have ceiling fans, use them to help make you feel cooler.  While they do not actually cool a room, they have a wind chill effect, making you feel up to 4 degrees cooler than the real temperature.

Keep the cool air in and hot air out. Close your curtains, shades, and miniblinds during the day to keep the sun out.  Keep doors closed as much as possible.

Check your outdoor unit. Remove any shrubs or debris from around the unit.  If the condenser coil is dirty, spray it down with the water hose.

By understanding how excessive heat affects your AC and using techniques to enhance its efficiency, you should be able to weather this intense heat. If you need AC maintenance, repairs, or replacement, call the friendly professionals at Helms Heating & Air! Your family’s comfort is our top priority.