How Did Your Aircon Fare in the Summer Heat?
With summer having just officially finished in Australia, it’s worth considering how you may have found your air conditioner affected by summer heat. You may have found it to struggle to maintain cool comfort in the face of occasional heat waves, or possibly causing higher-than-normal energy bills.
The heat, humidity and added time spent indoors generates more internal body heat, which means your air conditioning system typically has to work harder. As a result, your system becomes less energy efficient, resulting in higher electricity costs.
Whether you have a ducted air conditioner or a split system, getting the best out of your aircon on hot days is key. Knowing how summer heat affects your system will help you improve its energy efficiency, reduce running costs and enjoy a consistent temperature at home.
The Impact of Summer Heat on Your AC Unit
A hot day puts significant pressure on your air conditioning system to maintain a comfy temperature inside your home.
As the temperature rises, your air conditioner unit has to cycle more often, which leads to higher energy costs. The condenser coils become less capable of efficiently releasing the warm air, especially if the roof space is hot. Inside your home, the combination of extra internal body heat and warm drafts makes your system run longer. In doing so, it reduces the energy efficiency of your air conditioner.
In humid conditions, your air conditioning unit must remove excess moisture, which therefore generates added energy consumption. Without consistent maintenance, clogged air filters and a build-up of dust will strain your air con. It will affect overall air quality and performance when in cooling mode.
How Heat Waves and Extreme Temperatures Affect Performance
During searing summer heat waves, your air conditioning system has to use more energy to maintain the performance level you expect of it. This often results in the diminished efficiency of your system.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause your air conditioning unit to experience numerous possible issues. It might do any of the following:
- Overheat
- Trip the circuit breaker, or
- Struggle to maintain your ideal temperature
When temperatures rise outside, your air conditioner will keep running. However, this adds to electricity costs and leaves you with higher bills. The condenser coils also cannot release warm air as efficiently, which further affects cooling efficiency.
If your air conditioner can’t keep up with the demand, you may need to get it professionally serviced to maintain optimal performance on hot days.
How to Run at Maximum Energy Efficiency in Summer
Running your air conditioning system at maximum energy efficiency on hot days can help lower electricity costs and maintain a comfortable temperature. A few simple adjustments can reduce energy use and make your air conditioner work better. We suggest the following:
- Set the right temperature – Keep your temperature setting between 24-26 degrees Celsius, as per Sustainability Victoria’s recommendations, to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
- Use ceiling fans – A ceiling fan helps distribute cool air and reduces the load on your air conditioner. This helpful tool has the ability to lower the perceived temperature by around 3 degrees Celsius.
- Close doors and windows – It’s a simple action that stops warm air from entering and makes your air conditioning unit more efficient.
- Clean or replace air filters – Dirty air conditioner filters restrict airflow and affect air quality.
- Switch to dry mode – Helps in humid conditions by reducing humidity levels while using less energy.
- Insulate your home – Proper insulation in the roof space minimises heat transfer and reduces overall cooling costs.
Small changes like these can help you save energy, improve your air conditioner’s energy efficiency and keep your home cool – without skyrocketing bills.
Common Ways You Might Find Your Air Conditioner Affected By Summer
A hot summer day can push your air conditioning unit to its limits, affecting its efficiency and performance. So imagine what the occasional heat wave here and there can do.
If your air conditioner affected by summer isn’t cooling effectively, it may show signs of strain. Watch out for these common issues:
- Weak or warm air from vents – Your air conditioner can’t produce cold air due to clogged air conditioner filters or struggling condenser coils.
- Higher bills – An overworked system leads to more energy consumption and higher electricity costs.
- Poor air quality – Dirty air filters reduce airflow and affect the air quality in your home.
- Frequent cycling – If your air conditioning system turns on and off too often, it may be overheating or can’t reach the set temperature.
- Circuit breaker trips – Overworked systems can overload circuits and shut down unexpectedly.
Recognise these signs early on to reduce energy consumption and prevent costly, avoidable repairs.
Why You Need a Licensed Technician for Repairs and Maintenance
To keep your air conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently, you’ll need a licensed air con technician on board for thorough servicing and maintenance. Without proper servicing, your air conditioner can suffer from inefficient energy consumption. Your home’s air quality will be less than satisfactory and your cooling system will likely experience unexpected breakdowns.
Regular maintenance from a licensed technician keeps your condenser coils clean, your filters unblocked and refrigerant levels correct. It all goes towards improving both the energy efficiency and performance of your air conditioner. A professional can also detect worn components and replace them before they lead to costly and laborious repairs.
Whether you have a ducted air conditioner or a split system, schedule an annual post-summer service in autumn to maintain optimal performance, lower running costs and extend the life of your unit. If you have a reverse cycle system, it’s a great way to get it winter-ready too!
How Your Region Affects Your AC’s Performance
Where you live significantly affects the performance of your air conditioning system. In different regions, keeping cool may be easier than in others.
In Central Australia, extreme ambient temperature and dry air put extra pressure on air conditioners. It means they require frequent servicing to maintain optimal performance. Coastal regions with high humidity levels make it harder for your air conditioning unit to remove moisture. This further increases your system’s energy consumption.
In an arid climate, hot days and cool nights can cause rapid temperature fluctuations. These can certainly affect your temperature settings and overall efficiency. Homes in a moderate oceanic climate may have milder conditions but will still need proper temperature setting adjustments to save energy.
Understanding regional factors helps you optimise your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, prevent higher energy bills and maintain a comfortable temperature all year round.
Keep Your AC System Efficient After a Hot Summer
An air conditioner affected by summer heat and not kept properly maintained will often lead to higher energy bills, poor air quality and increased energy consumption.
If your air conditioner is performing below its usual standard after a hot summer, it may need a full check-up. Clean air conditioner filters, adjust temperature settings and schedule an annual service with a licensed technician to get back to optimal performance.
Simple habits like using a ceiling fan, closing doors and maintaining a comfortable temperature can also improve your unit’s energy efficiency.
Take care of your air con and you’ll stay cool with running costs well under control. No matter how hot summer gets.
Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “How Was My Air Conditioner Affected by Summer Heat”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.
