Extreme Heat Can Affect Your HVAC
Extreme heat can feel unbearable. Many people turn up the air to keep the interior cool and comfortable. The HVAC will have to work extra hard to continue operation during those extremely hot days. You want to ensure the system will continue working without any problems. If you want to know how extreme heat can affect your HVAC system, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Hot Weather and HVAC
You probably feel sluggish when you head outside on a sweltering day. It takes a lot of energy to move around when those temperatures rise. In the same way, your HVAC will have to work extra hard to cool down your interior. The humidity, heat, and airflow will all affect how hard your HVAC system will need to work in your home. If the sun’s intensity is extreme, the air conditioner must work overtime to keep your home nice and cool. Some people have a few tricks. For example, you can set the temperature as high as you can handle to help reduce the load on your HVAC.
Remember that your air conditioner is a heat transfer system with two heat exchangers. It will capture the energy from the inside air and then send it to the outdoor condensing unit. After that, the unit will take the heat’s energy and move it to the home’s exterior. On those scorching days, the HVAC unit will often work harder to cool down the interior. When more heat comes into your home, the system will put in extra effort to remove it. Along with that, when there is extremely hot air on the outside, the HVAC will also have to work harder to transfer the heat.
Hot air is not the only factor to consider in extreme heat. Humidity is another issue. When there is excessive humidity, the HVAC must work harder to remove the clammy and damp air from the inside of your home.
While high heat means more work for your air conditioner, it doesn’t usually mean that it will cause damage to your HVAC. Most air conditioning condensers are designed to handle extreme temperatures, meaning the internal components will not suffer from damage. These systems are very sturdy and durable.
However, you need to keep up with the maintenance so that the HVAC is ready to run for long durations in the summer. If your HVAC is not maintained and cleaned, that is when the problems can arise. For example, dirty coils trap more heat in the air conditioning unit. As a result, the hot air cannot escape from the dirty exhaust, causing the compressor to overheat and damage the components.
Maintenance is essential, and you want to ensure that you stay on the current schedule. The HVAC can suffer from damage when you put a high amount of stress on the components in the summer. When you need to reach those comfortable temperatures, the system will work harder, causing wear and tear on the components. Once again, maintenance can help prevent that stress from breaking down those parts.
A heat wave can make your air conditioner’s job a little challenging. It requires more energy to move the heat from the inside of the house to the outside, especially when there is excessive heat. The greater the temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors, the more strain on your air conditioner. That is one reason why setting the thermostat too low is never recommended. Keep this in mind: the less running time for your HVAC unit, the less work for the entire system.
Overall, those extreme temperatures will affect your HVAC system, but there are many things you can do to keep it running in optimal shape. Here are a few tips to help your HVAC during those intense heat periods.
Use Your Windows
During the day, the sun will stream through your windows and warm the interior spaces. If the air conditioner runs constantly, it will work harder to cool the warmed air. You might want to close your curtains and blinds during those daylight hours to prevent the warm sunlight from heating your home. When the weather is cooler, take that time to open the windows and use that “natural air conditioning” to cool your home.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
If you are not always home, you can adjust your air conditioner. There is no reason to have the unit on full blast. Turn the temperature up when you are away. Some people use only the fan during this time. A great way to minimize your air conditioner usage is to purchase a programmable thermostat. With that device, you can set up a smart schedule to cool down your home. A programmable thermostat can save energy and maximize the system’s efficiency.
Think About Your Other Appliances
You might not want to use your dishwasher or dryer during a hot spell. Any appliance that uses high heat could raise the temperatures inside your home, making your HVAC work harder to cool down the interior. In addition to that, lights can produce heat in the house. When you leave the room, turn off any lights. Flipping the switch is a simple way to stop wasting energy.
Change Your Air Filters
You need to change or clean your air filters about every month. With that, you can ensure that the air flowing into your home is clean. Plus, the HVAC system will function at maximum efficiency. If the filter becomes clogged, the system must work harder, causing unnecessary strain on the components.
Never Cover Your Air Conditioner
You might be tempted to put some type of cover over the HVAC system to keep it cool from the direct sun, but that is never a good idea. The air conditioner needs an efficient airflow to keep it running throughout the day. If there’s a blockage, it will overheat, causing damage to all the components. Keep the area around the HVAC clear from debris so that it will work great on those high heat days.
You can take a few steps to keep your HVAC running at an optimal level during extreme weather. HVAC systems are designed to operate in all types of weather conditions, even those moments of extreme heat. With these couple of tips, you can ensure that your HVAC keeps your home nice and cool in the summer. If you need help with these chores, contact a professional HVAC company.
Professional HVAC Services
At Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer high-quality HVAC system services in Seattle and the surrounding areas. We work with a variety of brands, including Bryant, Aprilaire, and Mitsubishi. Along with heating and cooling repairs, maintenance visits, and installations, we can also help with duct cleaning, electrical projects, and water heaters. Our technicians are fully licensed with over 20 years of experience in the field. You can even schedule a free energy and air consultation with us. If you need assistance with all those systems around your home, reach out to our company. Call Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your next consultation!