Air conditioners are designed to keep us cool, but during extreme heatwaves, even the most reliable systems can struggle to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. If you’ve noticed your AC working overtime or failing to cool your home effectively during scorching weather, you’re not alone. Here’s why this happens and what you can do to help your AC perform better:
Why Your AC Struggles in Extreme Heat
- Overworked System
- Air conditioners are designed to cool your home by a certain number of degrees below the outdoor temperature (usually 15–20°F). When it’s extremely hot outside (e.g., 100°F+), your AC has to work much harder to achieve this, pushing it beyond its capacity.
- Heat Gain in Your Home
- During heatwaves, your home absorbs more heat through windows, walls, and the roof. This increases the cooling load on your AC, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Refrigerant Limitations
- The refrigerant in your AC absorbs heat from indoors and releases it outside. In extreme heat, the refrigerant may not be able to dissipate heat as efficiently, reducing the system’s cooling capacity.
- Dirty or Clogged Components
- Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, air filters, and evaporator coils, reducing airflow and heat exchange. This makes your AC work harder and less effectively.
- Inadequate Sizing
- If your AC unit is undersized for your home, it won’t be able to handle the increased cooling demand during extreme heat.
- High Humidity Levels
- Heatwaves often come with high humidity, which makes the air feel hotter. Your AC has to work harder to remove both heat and moisture from the air.
- Thermostat Placement
- If your thermostat is placed in a hot spot (e.g., near a window or in direct sunlight), it may misread the home’s temperature, causing your AC to run longer than necessary.
How to Help Your AC Perform Better in Extreme Heat
- Schedule Regular Maintenance
- Have your AC serviced annually to ensure it’s running efficiently. Clean or replace air filters, clear debris from the outdoor unit, and check refrigerant levels.
- Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Unit
- If your AC is old or undersized, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating.
- Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
- Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re away and lower it when you’re home. Smart thermostats can optimize cooling based on your schedule and weather conditions.
- Seal Air Leaks and Insulate Your Home
- Prevent heat from entering your home by sealing gaps around windows and doors, adding insulation to your attic, and using weatherstripping.
- Install Window Treatments
- Use blinds, curtains, or reflective window films to block out sunlight and reduce heat gain.
- Use Ceiling Fans
- Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air, making your home feel cooler without overworking your AC.
- Limit Heat-Generating Activities
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances (e.g., ovens, dryers) during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for grilling outdoors or using a microwave instead.
- Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
- Ensure the area around your outdoor condenser unit is free of debris, plants, and obstructions to allow proper airflow.
- Close Off Unused Rooms
- Shut doors and vents in rooms you’re not using to focus cooling on occupied areas.
- Consider a Zoning System
- If you have a larger home, a zoning system can help cool specific areas more efficiently, reducing the load on your AC.
- Add Shade to Your Outdoor Unit
- Providing shade for your outdoor condenser unit (without blocking airflow) can help it operate more efficiently in extreme heat.
- Stay Hydrated and Dress Lightly
- While this isn’t about your AC, staying cool personally can help you feel more comfortable even if your AC is struggling.
When to Call a Professional
If your AC continues to struggle despite these tips, it may be time to call an HVAC technician. They can assess your system for issues like low refrigerant levels, duct leaks, or mechanical problems that could be affecting performance.
Final Thoughts
Extreme heat can push even the best AC systems to their limits, but with proper maintenance and a few smart strategies, you can help your unit perform more efficiently. By reducing the cooling load on your AC and ensuring it’s in top condition, you’ll stay comfortable and save on energy costs—even during the hottest days of the year.
