Tips to Prevent an AC Disaster This Summer
You might be surprised to discover that beating the heat this summer isn’t always as simple as setting your AC to a cooler temperature. Every air conditioning unit has its own limits when it comes to capability and capacity and when trying to balance extreme outdoor heat with your desired indoor temperature. That said, there are things you can do to make sure your AC is running optimally in advance of warmer weather.
The experts at Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric are here to share effective tips for preparing for the soaring summer temperatures in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
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Maximum Capacity Isn’t Cool Enough
A common misconception is that if you set your thermostat lower, the temperature in your home will eventually get that low. Unfortunately, this isn’t guaranteed, especially if the system is battling extreme outdoor temperatures. When it’s extremely hot outside, your AC can strain itself trying to keep up, making your thermostat setting inaccurate. This strain comes from system overload, which means your unit will not be able to sufficiently cool the air to the temperature you’ve asked it to.
Increased Potential for AC Breakdowns
If you wait for a heat wave before you turn on your AC for the first time this summer, you may be left uncomfortable when you discover it’s not working properly. Keeping an eye on temperatures and scheduling a service well before the temperature climbs can greatly reduce the risk of cooling issues when you need AC the most.
If your air conditioning unit is constantly running, its parts are more likely to wear out faster. Balancing your AC unit with other methods of keeping your home cool will help not only keep the unit running efficiently but also lower those steep energy costs.
Balance your AC use with these other effective cooling methods:
- Create a cross breeze: If you can open windows in opposite rooms both at night and in the early hours of the morning, cool air will flow throughout your living spaces. If open windows aren’t an option, placing fans in opposite rooms will create the same effect.
- Optimize your home’s fans: Make the most of any exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as they’re designed to remove hot air from these spaces quickly. Also, make sure all ceiling fans run counterclockwise during the summer months. This will help push the cooler air straight down into the spaces you want to cool.
- Create shade with window coverings: The heat can be most intense near the windows that capture sunlight. Close shades, blinds, and curtains before the sunniest hours to create shade and keep your home cool.
Widespread Power Outages Become More Common
Unsurprisingly, power grids become overloaded during the summer months due to the number of homes and businesses using their air conditioning. This issue leads to inconvenient and unplanned power outages. Do your part by practicing some of the alternative cooling methods listed above and only using your AC when necessary.
Schedule AC Repairs With Us Today!
Don’t get caught off guard by air conditioning issues during the extreme heat of summer. Schedule an evaluation or any needed repairs for your AC unit before the temperatures rise.
Known for delivering top-notch, five-star service every time, Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric is your top choice for all your AC needs. Whether you are proactively scheduling routine AC maintenance or have an emergency issue, our experienced technicians provide quality service and fast response times, including same-day emergency services. With 30+ years of experience and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured that your HVAC needs are in good hands.
Contact Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric online or call to request AC service in NJ, PA, or DE.
