Camp Verde, AZ is the ideal location for sun worshipers. In fact, the average high temperature in July reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s sunny for at least 300 days per year. While this may be your perfect environment, it does cause a lot of extra wear and tear to your air conditioner.
Arizona’s High Temperatures Hurt Air Conditioners
The higher the temperature soars, the more issues it can cause with your AC. This problem is bad enough on an average July day in Arizona. But it becomes even worse when temperatures reach an all-time high of 118 degrees, as they did in 2004.
Let’s take a closer look at what can happen to your AC as it works hard during summer temperatures ranging from 97 to 100 degrees.
1. Reduces Efficiency
Your AC has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of at least 14.5, but it’s important to remember that SEER is based on ideal conditions. When the temperatures elevate, it makes it impossible for your AC unit to offer its highest possible output without undergoing a lot of strain.
Instead, your AC’s efficiency rating will plummet, which means it must consume more energy to make you feel comfortable. Unfortunately, this is a daily occurrence during a typical AZ summer.
2. Increases Energy Bills
Not only will the heat cause your AC to work harder, but it will also cause your energy bills to increase. This one-two combo means you’ll pay more money for your AC to run less efficiently.
However, what choice do you have? It’s practically impossible to survive in Camp Verde without an AC, particularly during the daytime.
3. Increases Workload
As if higher energy bills and reduced efficiency weren’t bad enough, the constant 100-degree days provide an increased strain to your AC. It will have to work much harder than an AC in an 80-degree area, and it’s not likely to match the output. Again, this is all caused by Arizona’s exorbitant summer temperatures.
4. Potential Overheating
When you continuously run your AC on extremely hot days, it can cause the fan motors and/or compressor to overheat. Unfortunately, this also often leads to system damage, which can greatly reduce your AC’s expected lifespan.
5. Increases Wear and Tear
Higher temperatures mean that your AC’s components will have to work harder. As a result, this causes more wear and tear, which can significantly alter the lifespan of your unit. For example, if your compressor would have lasted 15 years in optimal conditions, you can expect it to last closer to 10 years, especially if you don’t schedule regular preventative maintenance.
6. Increases Breakdown Risk
Having an AC in AZ definitely increases your risk of experiencing a mechanical breakdown or malfunction. Once you combine extreme heat with increased wear, tear, and strain, your risk of waking up one day without a working air conditioner soars. This is a prime reason to get your AC inspected at least once per year.
Top Tips for Handling High Temperatures
There is no way around it; once temperatures reach the 80s, it’s definitely hot enough to run your air conditioner. Yet at the same time, running your AC when it ranges from 97 to 100 degrees will almost certainly adversely affect its components and performance.
Let’s take a look at six different things you can do to help ensure your AC will be around for the long haul.
1. Check for Proper Installation
If your AC wasn’t installed properly, then you might begin dealing with issues right away. You’ll want to make sure that you select the right-sized unit for your home and choose professional installation services. Additionally, verify that your ductwork has been properly sealed. This prevents conditioned air from escaping and makes your home more comfortable.
2. Preventative Maintenance
We recommend having your AC checked out by a professional at least once per year. Without regular preventative AC maintenance, you’ll likely miss smaller issues that will eventually turn into major problems. Also, it’s very important that you have your condenser coils cleaned and air filters changed, as needed.
3. Optimize Your Home Sealing
Another thing you can do to reduce the strain on your AC is to prevent heat from getting inside. To do this, optimize your home’s sealing, starting with the following for your doors and windows:
- Caulk
- Weatherstripping
- Foam gaskets
This is a proven method for improving your AC’s efficiency, along with reducing drafts, to make your home a more comfortable environment.
4. Use Attic Ventilation
Combining attic ventilation with insulation might seem odd at first, but it will provide a more energy-efficient, durable home. By installing an attic fan, your Camp Verde home will be better equipped to release hot air outside, along with being able to pull cooler evening air inside. Therefore, your AC won’t have to work as hard to keep your home pleasantly cool.
5. Thermostat Settings
We understand that there are days when the temperature in the Camp Verde area is so high that you simply must turn your thermostat down. However, don’t turn it so low that it increases energy consumption and strains your AC. For instance, turning it down from 80 to 70 degrees works, but turning it down to 60 degrees will force your AC to work too hard.
6. Use Fans Throughout Your Home
Placing fans throughout your home in strategic places is a good way to reduce the strain on your AC. Plus, it can help you bring your energy costs down. After all, a fan usually costs just a few cents per hour, but an AC can cost up to 88 cents.
Improving AC Performance in Camp Verde
Always choose an AC that’s the right size for your home. There are several different calculators online that can help, but your best bet is to discuss your home’s needs with a professional HVAC installer. They have the experience necessary to ensure you don’t purchase an AC that’s too big or too small.
If your AC is too big, it can lead to uneven temperatures, reduced humidity control, increased energy consumption, and short cycling. Meanwhile, if your AC is too small, it can cause your home to become humid, along with not cooling effectively and running constantly. Avoid both issues by verifying you’ve selected the right size with a professional.
AZ’s Top HVAC Team
Goettl's High Desert Mechanical has been helping homeowners like yourself for almost 40 years. We can help with all your AC installation, repair and maintenance needs. We can also repair, replace, insulate, and seal ductwork to help your AC perform more efficiently. If your AC breaks down in the middle of the summer, we offer 24/7 emergency repair service.
Our fully trained and certified team has also earned the following credentials:
- A+ Better Business Bureau Rating
- NATE-certified
- ACCA affiliation
- Energy-Star certified
Has your AC been struggling to keep up with the heat in Camp Verde, AZ? Contact Goettl's High Desert Mechanical today!
