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How the Heat Affects Your Air Conditioner


Thermometer reading high temperature under hot summer sun

The hot, humid Florida weather can be extreme. With temperatures regularly above 90 or even 100 degrees outside, you need your air conditioning system to work reliably. But what does the hot weather mean for your air conditioning system?

Extremely hot weather isn’t good for you or your air conditioner. When the outside temperatures start to climb higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, your air conditioning system can start to break down or even fail.

Common Heat Problems for Air Conditioners

There are several problems extreme heat can cause for your air conditioning system. Because your air conditioner runs more often during high weather temperatures, there is more wear and tear on the system. Here are some of the more common issues:

  • Quicker buildup of debris on the fans.
  • More frequent need to change the air filter.
  • Pressure from the refrigerant because the compressor is warmer. This can cause the oil to break down and the air conditioner to start failing.
  • Motor overheats, and the air conditioner fails.

To keep your air conditioner working even during the hottest Florida weather, you need to know how to optimize your air conditioner use.

Optimize Your Air Conditioner Use During Hot Weather

Man sitting at a desk with a desk fan

To get the most out of your air conditioner during the hottest days of the Jacksonville summer, you need to give it a little bit of help. Here are some things you can do to keep your air conditioner working when you need it most.

  • Set the thermostat warmer by a few degrees: The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your air conditioner needs to work. The recommended temperature for air conditioners is 78 degrees, but in the hottest weather, setting it up a few degrees will still bring you comfort by eliminating the oppressive heat and humidity while not taxing your system as much.
  • Close off unused rooms and vents: Reducing the amount of space your air conditioner needs to cool by closing off the vents and doors to unused or little-used rooms will help your air conditioner not need to work as hard. Plus, you’re being more efficient with your energy use by only cooling the rooms you use.
  • Use blinds or curtains in sunny windows: Keep the indoor temperature of your home lower naturally by blocking the sun from warming it. Use blinds or curtains in the windows where you get the most sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

You can also use ceiling and area fans to help reduce the strain on your air conditioning system.

Choose David Gray for Your Jacksonville, FL Air Conditioner Service

Even when you do everything right with your air conditioner, the hot, humid Florida weather can cause it to break down. When it does, you need expert technicians to service your air conditioning system.

Choose David Gray for your Jacksonville-area air conditioning service needs. We offer free estimates on all of our services, plus upfront and honest pricing.

Call David Gray at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online to schedule air conditioning services in the Jacksonville area.

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Disclaimer

The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details.

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