Air conditioners are designed for extreme temperatures. When it gets unbearably hot in the summer, you naturally turn to your AC for relief. The unit will cool your home down to a comfortable temperature, and you will not have to resort to other devices such as ceiling and portable fans. Nevertheless, it’s always important to note what the outside temperature is in the first place, as it has distinct pros and cons to your AC. Let’s take a look at whether the outside temperature affects your AC.
Temperature Threshold
To start things off, most AC units are designed to operate at temperatures under 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Clearly, when the temperature is cool and under 70 degrees, you won’t have the appliance on in the first place. As it begins to warm up, you’re probably thinking about turning the unit on. Maybe it reaches 80 degrees, then 90 degrees. Therefore, you turn the AC on, and it works its magic to cool off your home. Everything is working as intended. However, once the temperature crosses 100 degrees, it is beyond the scope of what the manufacturer has intended for the device.
While the AC might operate, you need to be aware that you have crossed the line into the unknown. There are no guarantees on how the AC will function past this point. At the very least, the unit will consume more energy and take a greater toll on your electricity bill. At a certain point, you’re going to encounter failure. This point is largely dependent on the model of your AC and how long it has been in use. As always, taking good care of your AC extends its lifespan and increases the chance of successful cooling.
95 Degrees
100 degrees Fahrenheit is one important threshold, and 95 degrees is another crucial mark. At this point, your unit will be running at its maximum capacity. Although this is within the realm of its intended use, your AC is working as hard as possible to get the job done. There’s no additional setting that can even be activated that can handle higher temperatures, so there’s no reason to turn the AC lower than 80 degrees. Requesting the AC to work harder will only lead to overheating. You will be injecting more and more power into the system without any reward coming out of it. All this energy creates wear and tear and can cause permanent damage to the unit. This doesn’t only occur in the interior; you can physically feel the unit overheating too if you stand next to it.
Replace Air Filters
One consequence of warmer temperatures is that you need to replace the air filters in your AC more frequently. First of all, you will be using the appliance more, so the filters become used at a rapid pace. In addition, warm air tends to carry more contaminants than cooler air. Because warm air rises and cool air settles, the warm air is exposed to lots of different currents and environments. In the end, this results in lots of small particles that can provoke asthma or allergies. You’ll want to change your air filters every month during the summer. Remember, it’s not always possible to visually determine whether a filter is worn out. The contaminants in a filter can be invisible to the naked eye, so it’s best to rely on a schedule for replacement. In the summer, bump up this schedule due to the frequency of use.
AC Maintenance
It is important that you consider the outside temperature while using your AC. If it is extremely hot outside, know that your AC has limitations. Respecting these limitations is good for both the climate and the machine. In the case that your AC does run into trouble, you’ll want to contact a professional service that can handle it. A company such as Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Northglenn, CO, is an excellent option for repair. Our specialists are very knowledgeable about the common pitfalls of AC units and how to get them back on track. We know just how important it is to tune-up your AC before the warm summer months arrive. We are also experts in tankless water heaters, evaporator coils, and UV air purifiers.
To keep the HVAC systems of your home running and in good condition, call our number today for a fast and free consultation!
