Can Soaring Temps Cause AC Failure?

Stay Cool While Giving Your AC a Hand

In terms of heat, July broke records across the country and around the world. We’ve definitely had our share of scorchers here in the Hudson Valley, and it’s only August!

Hopefully you’ve already signed up for Bottini’s Air Conditioning Value Plan. It includes an annual equipment inspection that will ensure your AC is primed and ready to work efficiently for you all summer long. You don’t want to have to worry that your AC won’t be able to handle the load of keeping your household comfortably cool on the hot days in store.

Even if you’re AC receives regular maintenance, there are still some things you should know about how high summer temps can affect it and what you can do to offset the burden on your cooling system when the weather really heats up.

Is It Hot Enough for You?

High temps can put a strain on your cooling system. And the hotter it gets the harder your AC has to work to keep you and your family cool.

Here are some of the ways soaring temps affect your AC:

1. Overburdened power substations can cause your air conditioner to fail for hours (and sometimes days).
2. High heat can shorten the longevity of your AC’s capacitors. These are electronic components that control motors in your cooling system that are key to its operation.
3. During a particularly severe or long-lasting heat wave, your AC’s motors may burn out from overuse.

You Can Help

Here are four things you can do to make your home more energy efficient and reduce the workload on your AC:

1. Close blinds and curtains to the sun during the day. This will stop the sunlight from raising the temperature inside your home and forcing your AC to work harder to cool things down.
2. Check and change or clean your air conditioner’s filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions (more frequently if you have pets). An AC with clean filters runs more efficiently.
3. Use a programmable or smart thermostat. 78°F is a good setting for when you are home and awake. 85°F is a good setting for when your home is empty, or everyone is asleep.
4. Make sure your home is well insulated.

Bottini Knows AC Systems

Bottini Fuel has over 70 years of experience keeping our customers comfortable in their homes. Whether your AC system needs repairs, maintenance, or it’s time to replace it, you can trust us with the job. Our service plan helps prevent breakdowns and ensures that your central air conditioning system runs at peak efficiency. We provide professional, reliable, and speedy repairs. And we guarantee our installations.

Contact us for all your AC needs.