How the Summer Heat Affects Your Air-Conditioning System

Air-conditioning systems are designed to handle high temperatures, but operating at maximum capacity, especially during hot days, affects the unit’s performance and longevity. Let’s explore what happens when the outdoor temperature is high and you use your AC:

Energy Consumption Increases
On warmer days, your air-conditioning will work harder to capture the heat inside your home and send it to the outdoor condensing unit. This process of transferring indoor heat outside to cool your home puts extra strain on the unit. Thus, prolonged use during extreme heat can lead to malfunction or breakdown. Increased consumption also means higher energy bills.

Unit Efficiency Is Reduced
An AC unit operating at maximum capacity may struggle to maintain the indoor temperature that you want, causing it to run longer and work harder. As a result, the air-conditioning system’s lifespan might become shorter due to the increased wear and tear.

The System Can Overheat
Because of their heat exchange process, cooling systems work best when the temperatures of the indoor and outdoor environments are around the same. So, when it keeps getting hotter outside, your AC works overtime to get rid of all the warm air inside. Continuous operations can lead to the system malfunctioning, failing, or shutting down.

Air Filters and Fans Get Clogged Easily
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate faster in the air filters in hot weather. If the filters and fans remain clogged, air won’t circulate properly, so the unit will work harder to collect warm air inside and bring it away from your home.

What Can You Do To Ensure Your AC Works Smoothly?
Cooling systems are essential during summer, helping us stay comfortable indoors. You need not worry about using them for as long as you need or want, but proper upkeep is crucial to avoid breakdowns and system failures. This means utilizing the expertise of HVAC professionals, from regular unit checkups to cleaning and preventative maintenance.

Turn to Bounds Heating & Air for Your HVAC Needs
No matter the season, you can rely on our team to help you ensure that your home has a high-performing and efficient heating and cooling system. Located in Gainesville, Florida, we provide various HVAC services, including repairs, installation, and maintenance. Contact us today to get a quote or book an appointment.

4 Air Conditioning Myths You Should Know

Although there are information resources available about air conditioning systems, some homeowners continue to believe in myths about HVACs. Read the blog below to learn about some air conditioning myths.

Myth 1: Larger ACs Are More Efficient.

One of the popular misconceptions about air conditioners is that larger units are better and more efficient to use. But using an AC that’s bigger than what’s needed for the space will cause the unit to constantly turn on and off in response to temperature fluctuations. This increases the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, shortening the device’s lifespan. It is best to select an AC with a cooling capacity that matches the size of the room.

Myth 2: Only Replace the Cooling Device When It Malfunctions.

Keeping your heating and cooling devices while they’re still functional seems like a money-savvy practice. But if your air conditioning system is over ten years old, experts say it’s time to replace it. AC replacement saves you money and time spent on calling professionals for repeated repairs and breakdowns.

Myth 3: Lower Thermostat Means Faster Cooling.

AC systems condition indoor air by removing 15 to 20 degrees of heat from the system regardless of the temperature set in the thermostat. The conditioned air passes through the duct system and spreads throughout your rooms to maintain the proper ambient temperature. Thus, it is not true that the lower you set the thermostat, the faster your room will cool.

Myth 4: Turn Off the AC When Not in Use.

Turning off your air conditioning system when you’re out of the house makes sense, but does it really save you from excessive energy consumption? The reality is, it doesn’t.

That’s because the room temperature rises when you turn your AC off. And by the time you turn it back up again, your unit works double to reach your desired temperature. In addition, the vents are closed when your system is turned off, so air is not well distributed in your home.

Consequently, your cooling device is forced to cool the room faster when turned on, which causes early signs of wear and tear. That said, it’s recommended to keep your unit on all day as supposed to periodically turning it off.

No one wants high electricity bills and unexpected repairs caused by misrepresentations about AC maintenance. Some “facts” about air conditioning systems might be misleading, so it would be best to be mindful of circulating myths about AC systems. Call our AC professionals at Bounds Heating & Air for fast and accurate HVAC services in FL.

Tag: #AirConditioningSystem

Myth 1: Larger ACs Are More Efficient.

Myth 2: Only Replace the Cooling Device When It Malfunctions.

Myth 3: Lower Thermostat Means Faster Cooling.

Myth 4: Turn Off the AC When Not in Use.