Keeping Your AC Running During A Heatwave

Phoenix residents are seasoned pros with heatwaves and extreme temps! But let’s face it, most of us wouldn’t last a day in summer without our AC.

If you’ve had your thermostat on full blast during this season’s searing temps, we have some tips that will help keep your house cooler without overworking your air conditioner. Read on for more!

Why Can’t My AC Handling A Heatwave, You Ask?

Even the most advanced air conditioners cannot withstand temperatures of more than 100 degrees. The majority of systems are made to cool to within 20 degrees of the outside temperature. In other words, if it’s 100 degrees outside and your AC can cool you down to 80 or lower, it’s working really well. You might want to think about replacing your old, less reliable AC with a new, more dependable AC if you’ve observed that your older system can’t reach the temperature range you desire.

Turn On The Fan

By turning your fan on rather than leaving it on “auto,” you may encourage your system to move more air around your house and regulate the temperature in any spaces that are either too cool or too hot.

Raise Your Thermostat

While it may be tempting to crank up your AC to cool your house, this strategy can end up costing you more than you realize. This is because your AC faces an uphill battle every time it is turned on to cool down your house. Set your thermostat a little higher and tolerate a little heat. We advise setting it between 75 and 78 degrees.

Close Unused Vents

It’s a good idea to close the air vents in rooms or other areas that aren’t being used. Additionally, shut the doors to maintain circulation and comfort in the occupied spaces. Not only will this help you stay cooler, but it can also help you save energy and cut your energy expenditures. You’ll be astounded at how effectively this simple technique can keep you cool during a heatwave.

Keep The Curtains And Shades Closed

Residents of Arizona survived heatwaves without air conditioning just a few decades ago. How did they manage? They merely drew the drapes or shades. The natural shade provided by trees, together with keeping your blinds and curtains drawn, can greatly affect how cool your home feels. You’ll be cooler and your AC will run more efficiently if you keep the sunny side of your house shaded.

Ceiling Fans

Many people think that the air in the room is cooled by ceiling fans. This is untrue! Because they cool the people in the room rather than the air, ceiling fans help you feel cooler by removing perspiration from your skin. This allows you to raise the thermostat a little and give your AC a little rest. The best thing about ceiling fans is that they can be installed practically anywhere and turned on and off as needed. On cooler days, you might even be able to entirely shut off your AC and rely solely on your fans to keep you cool.

Eat Dinner Out!

Looking for a reason to head to your favorite restaurant? Why not treat the family to some BBQ if you want to enjoy the great outdoors once it starts to cool off in the evening? Not using the oven or stove on days when it’s hot outside can help to keep your house cooler. This holds true for your dishwasher and tumble dryer as well. When in operation, this equipment can generate heat, adding to the heat already present in your house. Try using your dishwasher or dryer in the evenings or overnight when your house is naturally cooler.

Consider A New System

Your AC generally has to be replaced if it’s older than 10 to 15 years. The efficiency of air conditioners has increased over time, providing excellent performance for less money. Older systems degrade with time and may not be as effective at cooling your home as they once were. In an ordinary area, some AC systems might last up to 20 years, however here in Arizona, the weather is anything but typical! It means our systems need a little more TLC than most and could need replacing every 10 years. The good news is that new systems with their advanced technology could save you up to 20% on your cooling costs. We would be happy to give you an estimate for a new system and offer you further information on modern, more energy-efficient systems.

The Best Insurance Is Prevention

By giving your AC system preventive maintenance, you can increase its longevity, lessen the likelihood of malfunctions, and keep it operating more effectively. And a more efficient system is a cheaper system to run. Your AC system needs maintenance just like your car does on occasion. Your system will run flawlessly and be prepared for the summer months with a comprehensive tune-up performed once a year. A tune-up will take care of the dust and debris that can build up in your system and cause your AC to work harder and use up more energy. All moving parts will receive a little TLC in the form of lubrication. By applying oil and other lubricants to these parts, we help to keep these parts operational for longer and less vulnerable to faults. We recommend that you have your AC tuned up at least once a year – before a heatwave hits! And why not arrange duct cleaning at the same time? This will ensure your entire system operates more efficiently, especially during a heatwave.

Call the Pros For More Advice

The hot summers in Arizona make many residents retreat to the comfort of their own homes. There’s nothing like stepping out of the fierce heat, through your front door, and into your cool and refreshing oasis. However, your AC does need a little help along the way. Anything you can do to take the pressure off of your air conditioning system will keep it running more efficiently and reduce your energy costs during a heatwave. (For more tips on reducing energy costs click here!) By following all or some of the tips above, you can protect your AC from overheating and premature wear and tear.

Here at Martin Air, we’re your partners in cool comfort. Whether you’ve noticed your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it once was, or you’ve noticed a spike in your energy costs, we can give you advice on a new system that will keep you cool on the hottest days of the year. Our technicians can advise you on a brand new system that will run more efficiently or recommend repairs or maintenance that keeps your existing system working perfectly.

Give our team a call today to find out more about our AC systems or for more advice on how you can look after your air conditioning system when extreme temperatures hit. We’d be delighted to tell you more and discuss your individual needs with you.