When the thermometer outside hits triple digits, your AC has to work twice as hard to cool your home. This mechanical struggle has some major pros and cons for your home.
The Big Wins for Your Comfort and Safety
The most obvious benefit of using your AC during extreme temperatures is that it keeps your family safe when the heat becomes dangerous. Very hot weather can make it hard to sleep. For older people or pets, a house that is too warm can actually lead to serious health problems.
Modern systems are great because they also pull humidity out of the air. When you keep the air moving and filtered, the system also stops dust and pollen from settling. This helps everyone breathe a little easier during the sticky summer months.
The Steep Price of Maximum Cooling
Many families find themselves shocked when they see their summer power bills are significantly higher than they are in the spring. There is also the physical toll on the machine itself. Parts, such as the fan motor and the capacitor, are being pushed to their absolute limits. If your unit is already getting older, a three-day heatwave might be the final straw that causes a mechanical breakdown.
The Risk of a Total System Freeze
If you set your thermostat to 60 degrees when it is 100 degrees outside, the system might run so long that the coils get too cold and turn the condensation into solid ice. Once this happens, the air can no longer pass through the coils. Your house will start getting warmer even though the machine is still humming loudly. You might also run into a situation where the outdoor unit gets so hot that it shuts itself off to prevent a fire. This leaves you with no cooling at all until the sun goes down. These mechanical limits are why it is so important to keep your filters clean so that the air can move freely.
You can help your AC by closing the curtains during the day or using ceiling fans to move the cool air around your home. Setting the temperature just a few degrees higher can save you $40 a month and prevent your motor from burning out in the dead of summer. Furthermore, if you take care of your system by hosing off the outdoor dirt and changing the indoor filters, it will be much more likely to win the fight against the sun. Staying cool is a team effort between you and your equipment. If you have concerns or require air conditioner services, contact Big Sky in Helena, MT.