Can High Temps Make an Air Conditioner Fail?

When your AC is no match for the summer heat

It’s true that high temperatures themselves don’t directly harm or endanger your air conditioner – it’s not going to melt – but we all know that cooling equipment must expend extra effort when it’s like a sauna outside. The additional work required to cool temperatures from a higher baseline means added stress and strain for your AC. In fact, if it’s an older model, it may not survive – we see it all the time. What can you do about that, you may ask? Read on to learn some tips for optimizing your AC during record highs.

How hot is too hot? When should you worry?

Much like the health of people, older model air conditioners that have been neglected, maintenance-wise, are more likely to suffer during extreme conditions. There’s no magic bullet temp that will cause your air conditioner to keel over for good for good, but experts have an unofficial rule of thumb in in the industry: older style cooling units start to struggle when temperatures hover near the 100-degree mark consistently for a few days or weeks.

Protect your AC, no sweat needed!

Locating the balance between comfort and caution when it comes to reducing stress on your air conditioner can be a challenge. If you are dealing with this conundrum, consider:

• Programming your thermostat a bit warmer than ideal, of course, can reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner. However, this tried-and-true tip still doesn’t give your AC equipment a break from constant cooling demands.
• Staying on top of AC maintenance with a service plan. Your home cooling system needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. That’s why we encourage our customers to schedule regular tune-ups to reduce the risk of breakdowns and extend the life of their equipment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regularly maintained equipment can also lower your annual energy use by up to 15%. The easiest way to enjoy these benefits—and more—is to enroll in one of our service plans.
• Upgrading your old system to be energy-efficient. Installing a new Energy Star-rated air conditioning system could make you eligible for generous rebates from Mass Save, manufacturers, utilities—and even from us! An added bonus will be the lower electricity bills and enhanced comfort you will enjoy after installation. Don’t suffer through another Massachusetts summer with a worn-out air conditioner. TF Complete Heating & Cooling is a certified Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, and we offer the complete line of energy-saving systems from this respected manufacturer.
• Installing ductless mini-splits. If you have a room or other area that requires extra cooling efforts, a ductless mini-split could be the answer for you This type of unit represents a perfect solution for additions to a home and to combat hot spots in rooms that never feel as comfortable as the rest of the home. Ductless systems give you the flexibility to enjoy a specific temperature in a room or multiple rooms without the cost or hassle of adding ducts or another framework. The units are quiet and energy efficient, and they feature wireless remote controls.

Trust TF Complete to keep you COMPLETELY cool, for less!

Whether your A/C needs repair, maintenance, or an upgrade, TF Complete has you covered in Bristol, Worcester, Middlesex and Norfolk counties and the surrounding areas. If you want to save money on repairs and enjoy peace of mind, our highly-trained experts are here for all your comfort needs!

We can’t wait for you to join the TF Complete Fuel family.