It seems like every summer is hotter than the last, and this heat can be difficult to handle. It can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite summer activities. But, these temperatures don’t just have an impact on you. Extreme temperatures can take a substantial toll on your home’s HVAC system, making preparation ahead of time essential.
At R&D Heating & Air, we understand how important it is for your home to remain a cool refuge throughout the hottest summer months. When your system unexpectedly breaks down during a heatwave, it can be miserable to deal with. If you want to avoid this trouble and prepare your HVAC system for extreme temperatures this summer, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
How Extreme Temperatures Affect Your HVAC System
While your HVAC system is designed to handle temperature fluctuations, extreme temperatures can have an impact on the way your system cools your home and performs in the long run. Some of the most common ways that extreme temperatures may impact your home’s air conditioning system include:
- Increased Wear and Tear: Extreme heat may force your HVAC system to run longer and harder than it does on a standard day. This continuous operation may inevitably lead to accelerated wear and tear on components within the system, like the compressor, fan motor, and other critical parts.
- Reduced Efficiency: Extreme temperatures outdoors may reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency. The hotter it gets outside, the harder your system has to work to expel this heat from your home, leading to much higher energy consumption and utility bills than you’ve previously experienced.
- Refrigerant Issues: Extreme heat can cause refrigerant levels in your system to fluctuate, leading to potential leaks or system inefficiencies. Low refrigerant levels can result in insufficient cooling and increased strain on your compressor.
- Electrical Problems: Overworking your HVAC system while dealing with extreme temperatures can lead to electrical issues within the system. Components like capacitors and circuit boards are more likely to fail under the stress of continuous operation.
Tips to Keep Your Home Cool During Heatwaves
As summer temperatures continue to rise, it is important that you keep your HVAC system and home prepared for the inevitable chance of this warm weather arriving again. Some of the best ways to keep your home prepared for extreme temperatures include:
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Ensure your HVAC system is running in top shape before the heatwaves arrive by scheduling maintenance with a trusted HVAC professional. Regular maintenance can help you address potential problems before they cause breakdowns when the weather hits its peak.
- Change Your Air Filters: Replace or clean your air filters every 1-2 months during the summer. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making your system work harder and reducing its overall efficiency.
- Seal and Insulate Your Home: If there is a draft around windows and doors in your home, it is important that you address these immediately. Repair damaged insulation and seal gaps to stop potential air leaks. This helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and reduces the load on your HVAC system.
- Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air created by your HVAC system, making your home feel more comfortable without lowering your thermostat. Remember to set your fans to spin counterclockwise during the summer to keep any warm air at bay.
- Close Your Blinds: Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out any of the sun’s heat. If you want to maximize your cooling, consider using blackout curtains.
Emergency Cooling Tips and Tricks
While you can do everything in your power to prepare your HVAC system for extreme temperatures, sometimes it may break down and you need to find alternative ways to cool your home while you wait for your HVAC professional to arrive for AC repairs. If this occurs, some things you can do to stay cool include:
- Use Portable Fans and Air Conditioning: If your central HVAC system fails, use portable fans or air conditioners to cool specific areas of your home. Place fans near windows or doors to create a cross-breeze.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body regulate its temperature. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they may contribute to dehydration.
- Use Cold Compresses: Apply a cold compress or damp, cool cloth to pulse points like your wrists, neck, and forehead to cool down quickly.
- Take Cool Showers: A cool shower is a great way to lower your body temperature and provide relief from the incessant heat.
- Create a Cool Room: Designate a room in your home as a cooling zone. Use portable cool devices, fans, and wet towels or sheets to create a comfortable refuge.
- Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that any children, elderly people, and pets in your home are cool and hydrated. These groups are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, making extra care during extreme temperatures essential.
HVAC Professionals You Can Trust When Extreme Temperatures Arrive
When extreme temperatures arrive and your HVAC system breaks down, it is essential that you reach out to a trusted HVAC professional as soon as possible. If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC professional in the Roy, Utah, area, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air. Our team has over 20 years of experience, making us the perfect choice for your HVAC repairs.
Whether you’re trying to maintain your system, invest in a newer, more efficient system, or you are dealing with breakdowns, our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance or repairs or if you have any questions for us about the other services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.