Extremely hot summer days can put a strain on your AC unit, especially when temperatures outside reach 100 degrees or more. For many Texas homeowners, setting the thermostat lower is the solution for maintaining comfort in spite of high temperatures. However, this short-term solution causes air conditioners to run continuously, increasing the chance of an AC breakdown.

Here at 247 Local HVAC, we can attest to this because the summer is our busiest time of year in terms of AC repair. Too many people expect too much out of their AC units, running them continuously without proper maintenance.

So the question is: What should you expect from your AC in order to stay cool and avoid repair costs?

The capacity of an HVAC unit is determined by various factors, such as region, square-footage of home and number of windows. A unit with a 1.5-ton cooling capacity will not be able to cool a 1,000 sq. ft. home in the hot and humid south as it would for homes in northern states.

For those living in Houston which has extreme temperatures in the summer, owning an AC that is an appropriate size and running the AC with realistic expectations will help you preserve the lifespan of your HVAC unit.

HVAC technicians recommend setting your thermostat 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperatures. For many, 72 degrees is the optimal indoor temperature, but on days that surpass 92 degrees your AC will be running extra hard to meet those expectations. When outside temperatures are pushing 100 degrees, try setting your thermostat at 78-80 degrees. Supplement the indoor airflow with fans and other strategies to maintain cool temperatures inside.

Pushing your thermostat even further down on hot days will only hurt your air conditioner and increase your electricity costs. Instead, ensure the efficiency of your HVAC unit by performing seasonal AC maintenance, including changing air filters and cleaning the evaporator coils. Regular maintenance will help your AC run more efficiently.

247 Local HVAC is one of the leading AC contractors in the Houston area. Our HVAC technicians can assist in a variety of AC services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. Call to schedule maintenance for your AC unit today.