Why Your AC Struggles on the Hottest Days (And What You Can Do About It)

When summer temperatures soar to their peak, your air conditioning system is your best friend. But sometimes it just can’t keep up. If you’ve noticed that your home feels warmer than it should or that your AC runs constantly without delivering the cool relief you expect, you’re not alone. 

Many homeowners face this frustrating problem during the hottest days of the year. Understanding why your AC struggles under extreme heat and what you can do about it is key to staying comfortable and protecting your investment.

Why Does Your AC Struggle in Extreme Heat?

1. Your System May Be Undersized

One of the most common reasons an air conditioner struggles to cool your home during peak heat is that it’s simply too small for the space it needs to cool. An undersized system has to work harder and longer to reach your thermostat’s set temperature. 

This overworking often leads to continuous running without ever quite achieving the desired comfort level, causing increased wear and tear and higher energy bills. Undersizing can result from changes in your home – such as additions, renovations, or improved insulation – that your original AC unit was not designed to handle.

2. Your AC Is Aging

Air conditioning systems typically last between 10 and 15 years. As your unit ages, its components naturally wear out, and its efficiency declines. Older systems may use outdated refrigerants and lack modern energy-saving features, meaning they can’t keep up with today’s intense summer heat as well as newer models.

An aging AC might cool unevenly, produce less airflow, or have refrigerant leaks that reduce performance  –  all of which become more noticeable when temperatures rise.

3. Poor or Irregular Maintenance

Without regular maintenance, even a properly sized and newer air conditioner can struggle in the heat. Dirty filters, clogged coils, low refrigerant levels, and blocked drain lines restrict airflow and heat exchange, forcing your system to work overtime. This not only hampers cooling performance but also increases the risk of breakdowns at the worst possible time.

Signs your AC is struggling include:

• Longer run times
• Uneven cooling 
• Higher energy bills
• Frequent repairs 
• Thermostat issues
• Strange noises or odors

What You Can Do to Improve Cooling This Summer

Here are some steps you can take to boost cooling ability:

• Schedule professional maintenance – The first step to restoring your AC’s peak performance is a thorough inspection and tune-up by one of our licensed HVAC technicians. Maintenance includes cleaning or replacing filters, clearing coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and testing system operation.
• Consider upgrading your thermostat – Smart thermostats with programmable or adaptive features can optimize cooling cycles and reduce strain on your system. 
• Evaluate your system’s size and age – If your system is undersized, outdated, or constantly needing repairs, it may be time to consider an upgrade. One of our professionals can perform a load calculation to recommend the right size system for your home, ensuring efficient cooling now and for years to come.
• Improve home insulation and ventilation – Simple steps include sealing air leaks, adding insulation, using window treatments or reflective films, and ensuring attic ventilation.

Find professional AC services at Jack Lehr, the HVAC company your neighbors have trusted for years.