Get ready, folks! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, 2024 might be even warmer than last year, which was pretty toasty.
With temperatures climbing even higher, your trusty air conditioner might have to work overtime to keep your home cool and comfy.
Yep, you heard it right. 2023 raised the bar as the hottest year on record, and 2024 is shaping up to give it a run for its money. So buckle up because your air conditioner is about to become your best friend.
But first, let’s go over a few reasons why your HVAC unit might have a harder time in June than it did in March.
Air conditioners under pressure
When the mercury starts creeping up, your air conditioner kicks into high gear to keep your home comfortable.
But here's the thing: Extreme heat can make your A/C work extra hard, and let's face it, even the toughest A/C units can struggle to keep up when the sun is blazing.
Here’s why:
Extreme heat load: When the outside temperature climbs to high levels, a lot of heat seeps into your home. Your A/C system must work harder to remove this excess heat from your indoor space, especially if your home has large windows that make it easier for heat to get inside.
Outside vs. inside: Air conditioners transfer heat from inside your home to the outside environment. However, as the outdoor temperature rises, the temperature differential between the indoor and outdoor air decreases. This makes it more challenging for your A/C to efficiently transfer heat, resulting in reduced cooling effectiveness.
Increased demand on the system: During periods of extreme heat, many households in the area may be running their air conditioners non-stop, placing additional strain on the power grid and potentially causing voltage fluctuations. This can impact your air conditioner’s performance, resulting in less effective cooling.
Air conditioner not working properly?
Before the summer comes, make sure your air conditioner is working to the best of its ability.
Here are a few common reasons why your air conditioner might not be cooling your home as effectively as it should:
Dirty air filters: One of the first culprits to look for is a dirty or clogged air filter. When filters get blocked with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, making it harder for your A/C to cool your home efficiently. Watch our ProCare ProTips video for a refresher on how to replace your air filter.
High outdoor temperatures: Most air conditioners’ optimal cooling threshold is 20-25 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. For example, if the outside temperature is 105 degrees, the optimal temperature setting in your home would be 80-85 degrees. Your system will cool your home more than that, but the average cost is a 5% increase in electricity for every 1 degree below the optimal temperature.
Dirty evaporator coils: Over time, the evaporator coils inside your A/C unit can become coated with dirt and grime, hindering the heat transfer process. This can lead to reduced cooling performance and higher energy bills.
Thermostat issues: Sometimes, the problem isn't with your A/C unit but the thermostat. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or set incorrectly, it may not signal the A/C to cool your home to the desired temperature.
Blocked condenser unit: The condenser unit outside your home needs plenty of airflow to dissipate heat. If the unit is obstructed by debris or vegetation, it can't expel heat efficiently, causing your A/C to struggle to cool your home.
Service requests incoming!
We're all about keeping you cool, but with hotter temperatures on the horizon, we're gearing up for a busy summer. That means more service requests pouring in.
You could experience longer wait times than usual as our team works to maintain and repair air conditioners across the board.
Beat the heat: Tips to keep your home cool.
It's not all doom and gloom! There are plenty of things you can do to help your air conditioner out and keep your home chill even when the sun is blazing.
Remember the 20-degree rule: Set your thermostat to within 20 degrees of the outside temperature to keep your energy costs down and reduce the stress on the A/C. For example, if it’s 95 degrees outside, set your thermostat to 75 degrees.
Give your A/C some TLC: Before things start heating up, give your air conditioner some love. Change those filters, clear out any debris, and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.
Let the night air inside: When the sun goes down, crack open those windows and let the cool night breeze in. Let Mother Nature do the cooling. It won't cost you a dime!
Shade is your friend: Keep those blinds and curtains drawn during the day to block out the sun's scorching rays. Less sunlight means less heat sneaking into your home.
Fan-tastic: Ceiling fans are a lifesaver when things start heating up. Not only do they help circulate cool air, but they also give your A/C a break.
Don’t overwork your A/C: Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re away from home. You’ll save energy and money while keeping your home reasonably cool.
Stay hydrated: This one's not just for your home – it's for you too! Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your body temperature down.
Don't sweat it: Help is just a click away.
If your air conditioner is not keeping things cool like it should, don't worry. Our team at Invitation Homes is here to help.
Just submit a service request through the Invitation Homes Maintenance app, and we'll send a pro to get your A/C back in action.
Please remember that during the busy summer months, we may experience a higher volume of requests for A/C service. An influx of calls could affect our response time. But rest assured, we’ll get to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
So there you have it. 2024 might be turning up the heat, but with a little prep, you'll be cruising through summer.
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