Here in Ohio, our summers are hot and humid. When the temperatures top 90 degrees, your air conditioner must work even harder to keep you cool. Over time, the extreme heat can lead to problems with your HVAC unit’s performance. Hudson and Summit County homeowners can prepare for extreme weather by calling our team at Bernard Heating & Cooling.
Extreme Heat and Your A/C
When the temperatures rise, many Hudson residents expect an unpleasant surprise when they open their utility bills. As temperatures rise, your air conditioner may struggle to maintain your desired temperature. The outdoor temperatures may force your air conditioner to run constantly, which leads to higher bills.
A well-maintained air conditioner can handle up to 100 degrees. However, at 100 degrees or more, your air conditioner may use too much energy. Parts may malfunction, or the unit may fail.
Many homeowners assume that an air conditioner can cool to the set temperature on the thermostat. Air conditioning units have limitations that may become an issue in extreme temperatures. The average A/C unit typically can cool your home up to 20 degrees. For example, if the temperature is 90 degrees, your air conditioning unit should be able to cool your home to a comfortable 70 degrees. At 95 degrees outside, your A/C may be able to cool your home to 75 degrees inside.
When temperatures pass 100, your air conditioning unit may struggle to keep your home at 80 degrees. If you try to cool your home below a 20-degree difference, you may force the air conditioner to work too hard. This overuse can cause parts failure or high humidity levels.
Don’t force your unit to work too hard in the summer. Our team can help you maximize your air conditioner’s performance. If you call our technicians at Bernard Heating & Cooling, we can prep your A/C unit for the extreme heat.
Servicing and Repairing Your Air Conditioner
Our team members at Bernard Heating & Cooling recommend regular service before the next heat wave. During an A/C tune-up, we will inspect and clean your HVAC system. Our technicians will identify and repair any issues before they turn into major problems.
Sometimes, customers contact us to report that their air conditioning unit isn’t working. During extreme heat, we see the following common problems:
- Frozen condenser coils
- Excessive dust in the vents and ductwork
- Worn-out capacitators
- Worn-out gears
- Excess moisture from high humidity
Many homeowners ask us how they can determine if their air conditioner is working during the extreme heat. If you feel cold air blowing out of your vents, your air conditioning unit is doing its best to keep you cool. At night, your air conditioner may be able to cool your home to the desired temperature. If you notice better performance when the temperature drops, the outdoor heat is the cause of your cooling problems.
Homeowners can compare the indoor temperature reading to the outdoor temperature. If the difference in the two temperatures is approximately 20 degrees, then the problem is not your A/C unit. When the indoor temperature is close to the outdoor temperature, that is a sign that you need our AC repair services.
There are other signs of a malfunctioning air conditioner. If you hear squeaking, clicking, or other unusual noises, those noises indicate malfunctioning parts. Condensation on your walls and windows is a sign of high humidity in your home. If you see water leaks on the floor around your HVAC unit, you may have a frozen coil or clogged drain.
Keeping You Cool in the Summer Heat
At Bernard Heating & Cooling, we’ve been in the heating and cooling business for over thirty years. Our experienced technicians can handle all your residential and commercial HVAC needs.
We started in the commercial heating and cooling business. Now, we are proud to offer the same top-notch customer service to residential customers. We offer repair, installation, and maintenance of all types of HVAC units. Our team can service your air conditioning unit or repair your furnace. We also offer ductless mini-split installation and service. Customers all over northeast Ohio also count on us for their air purifier and water heater needs.
Don’t wait until your air conditioner is struggling to keep up with the hot weather. Call our team at Bernard Heating & Cooling for your air conditioner tune-up.
