Central air conditioning systems are carefully sized based on your home’s square footage and the amount of air that needs to be cooled or heated. The outdoor unit, known as the condenser, is typically selected to operate efficiently during about 98% of the highest temperatures normally experienced in your local climate.
This means that during the rare 2% of unusually extreme heat—such as the intense summer conditions often seen in areas like Palm Desert and Palm Springs—your AC system may appear slightly undersized. However, this is intentional. If the system were designed to easily handle those extreme temperatures, it would be oversized for the vast majority of the year, resulting in inefficiency most of the time.
A larger system costs more to install and requires more energy to operate, increasing overall expenses. Because it moves a greater volume of air, it cools the home more quickly. While that might sound beneficial, it actually leads to shorter, more frequent on-and-off cycles. These brief cycles do not allow the system to run long enough to effectively remove humidity from the air.
Humidity removal is a critical part of how air conditioners function. As warm air passes over the evaporator coil, moisture condenses and is drained away. This heat exchange process produces cooler air while expelling warm, moist air outside. Drier indoor air feels more comfortable because it allows the body’s natural cooling process—perspiration—to work efficiently. Insufficient humidity control can also increase the risk of mold growth.
For these reasons, installing an oversized AC system is generally not advisable. Even so, there are steps you can take to help your current system perform better during periods of extreme heat.
Improving AC Efficiency in 45C+ Degree Weather
When outdoor temperatures exceed 100 degrees, your air conditioner works especially hard. To support its performance, focus on reducing heat buildup inside your home. Practical steps include:
Set the thermostat a few degrees higher and aim for indoor temperatures between 23°C and 24°C.
Close doors and vents in unused rooms to avoid cooling unoccupied spaces.
Use shades, blinds, or curtains to block sunlight on the sun-facing side of the house.
Prepare meals outdoors when possible to prevent additional indoor heat from cooking.
Skip the heated drying cycle on the dishwasher; allow dishes to air dry instead.
Avoid running the clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day.
Even small reductions in indoor heat can lessen the strain on your AC system and shorten cooling cycles.
The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for optimal performance. Your central air system should receive a professional inspection at least once per year. Ideally, servicing should be completed before the peak summer season to ensure the system is prepared for sustained high temperatures.
In areas that experience prolonged heat waves with multiple days above 100 degrees, your AC system may benefit from an additional check-up afterward due to the heavy workload it endures during extreme conditions. Regular maintenance helps ensure reliability, efficiency, and longevity when you need your system most.
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About Drill & Hammer
Drill and Hammer Abu Dhabi is a growing Emirati company established in 2018 with the goal to serve villas, apartments, and commercial facilities in Abu Dhabi providing Corrective and Preventive Facility Management services, as well as Hard and Soft services.