It happens every summer. Week-long stretches when daytime temperatures hover in the mid-90s with a side of high humidity. Venturing outside is miserable at best, and dangerous at worst.
During these heat waves, you’re not the only one suffering – your AC system feels the pain, too. Even the most well-maintained air conditioners are vulnerable when forced to run for days at a time.
When extreme weather hits, there are several steps you can take to reduce the strain on your air conditioner while also staying comfortable. This article shares some of the most effective.
Prepare Your AC System for Extreme Weather
Your HVAC system is the only thing that provides reliable relief from summer heat. Show it a little love!
Whenever you see an incoming heat wave on your local news or weather app, check around your system for any signs of leaks and listen for strange noises. Additionally, if you haven’t swapped out your current air filter in several months, a new one can add a layer of protection.
This is also a good time to mention that professional maintenance matters. Your air conditioning system may be fine when it’s running a couple of hours per day, but when it has to work overtime in extreme conditions, every minor issue could turn into a bigger problem if it’s not fixed in time.
Sticking to a spring and fall tune-up schedule prepares all your HVAC components to succeed in the most challenging circumstances. Plus, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing you’ve done all you can to keep it running efficiently all season long.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely
If you’re using a programmable thermostat, it might seem like a good idea to let your home warm up during the day and cool it down in the evening. But during a heat wave, that strategy can backfire and result in more strain on your AC and higher energy use.
Instead, set your thermostat to a consistent temperature and let it hold steady. This prevents your AC from having to play catch-up during the hottest part of the day, which not only keeps you more comfortable but also helps reduce wear and tear on the system. Here’s a simple rule to remember: In extreme heat, it’s more efficient to maintain than to recover.
Check for Leaks Around Doors and Windows
You don’t have to be a certified HVAC expert to know keeping cool air in and hot air out eases the burden on your AC system. Doors and windows are notorious for having small gaps that slowly let outdoor air in, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain the same temperature.
Caulk and weatherstripping, which you can find for less than $20, can make a significant difference in reducing indoor temperature fluctuations. If you identify a leak, seal it up with one of the two products above – your HVAC system will thank you.
Use Fans to Your Advantage
Ceiling fans, box fans, and even those little handheld fans (bonus points if it has a mist attachment) can help you feel cooler without cranking up the AC…especially if you use them strategically. Follow these tips:
Ceiling fans: Set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air back down.
Box and oscillating fans: Place them in front of open windows during cooler times (like early morning or late evening) to draw in fresh air.
Exhaust fans: Use kitchen or bathroom fans (especially when cooking or showering) to pull hot air and humidity out of the house.
Strategic placement: Position fans to create cross-ventilation. Place one fan facing in and another facing out on opposite sides of the room to move hot air out and bring cooler air in.
Close Blinds and Curtains
Let’s talk about the original heat source: the sun. If it’s shining through curtain-less windows, it’s going to raise your home’s temperature.
Lowering the blinds and closing the curtains during the daytime (especially if you’re not home) helps maintain a cooler temperature without forcing your AC to do all the heavy lifting. And because reducing sunlight provides other benefits, like protecting your furniture from fading, this is a good protocol to follow even when it’s not excessively hot outside.
Utilize a Dehumidifier
Midwest residents are all too familiar with the impact humidity can have on a scorching summer day. And while you can’t change the moisture levels outside (wouldn’t that be nice?), you can take control of the air inside your home.
Portable dehumidifiers work in a pinch, but they have significant limitations as they’re only effective in small rooms. Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier delivers next-level comfort without any extra setup work needed on your end.
Prepare for the Heat with Hoock’s
You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for anything Mother Nature has in store. That’s where we come in. It helps to have a trusted comfort partner on your side when temperatures reach extreme territory during the hottest and cold months of the year.
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling has the technology and expertise to keep your HVAC system operating at peak capacity all season long, no matter how high the mercury climbs. Schedule a maintenance check or contact us today to get ahead of the heat this summer.