During summer’s hottest days, you rely on your air conditioning to keep your home comfortable, but sometimes, it feels too hot for an air conditioner to work properly. Extreme heat puts your system under tremendous pressure, often making it run less efficiently, which can lead to higher energy bills and a greater chance of breakdowns.

How Extreme Heat Impacts AC Efficiency

 Most air conditioners are designed to cool indoor air by about 20 degrees below the outside temperature. When outdoor temperatures rise above 95°F, your system may struggle to reach your set thermostat goal, especially if it’s older, undersized, or overdue for maintenance. 

Here’s why:

• Higher temperatures mean longer run times. Your system has to work longer and harder to keep up, which leads to reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear.
  
• Hot air affects the heat exchange process. AC units expel heat from your home using outdoor coils. If the surrounding air is extremely hot, it becomes harder to release that heat, leading to reduced cooling power. Also, outdoor coils that are dirty from dust, dirt, animal hair, grass clippings, or anything else that obstructs the air moving across them will affect your system’s ability to cool efficiently.
  
• Lack of shade and poor ventilation compound the problem. Units in full sun or with clogged filters and coils face extra hurdles.

Fortunately, homeowners can take action to minimize breakdowns and maximize their system’s efficiency.

Tips to Help Your AC Perform Better During a Heatwave

Start by keeping your air filter clean. When an air filter is clogged, airflow is dampened, and your system works harder than it needs to. This is especially true when your system is running overtime trying to catch up with the heat. Remember, air filters should be changed based on run time (hours of operation), so air filters will need to be changed more often in the summer months. 

It also helps to keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sunlight hours to prevent your home from heating up unnecessarily.

Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees higher, say to 75–78°F, can make a big difference in reducing system strain without sacrificing comfort. Don’t underestimate the power of a ceiling fan. Circulating air makes a room feel cooler, allowing you to stay comfortable with less AC runtime.

Lastly, make sure your outdoor unit is clear of leaves, grass, or other debris. Proper airflow around the condenser coil is essential for heat transfer, especially in extreme temperatures. And if it’s been a while since your last HVAC checkup, scheduling a professional maintenance visit is one of the best things you can do to prepare your system for the heat.

Having a professional tune-up before or even during summer is one of the smartest investments you can make. Our technicians will check your refrigerant levels, test all electrical connections, and clean parts you can’t easily reach yourself. Regular professional maintenance prevents the vast majority of heat-related breakdowns.

How to Stay Cool (Even Without Relying on the AC)

When your air conditioning system is doing all it can, but the temperature just won’t let up, there are a few ways to help your body stay cool on its own and relieve some stress from your unit. Staying hydrated with cold drinks is one of the simplest and most effective ways to regulate your internal temperature. At night, breathable cotton sheets can help prevent overheating while you sleep.

Consider running a dehumidifier if your home feels sticky. Lowering humidity won’t change the air temperature, but it will help your body feel cooler, minimizing that sticky feeling in the air. Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens or dryers during the hottest parts of the day. Grilling outside or shifting chores to the evening can help keep your space comfortable. For quick relief, a short cool shower can work wonders.

Beat the Heat with Scotty’s HVAC

Getting your home ready for summer’s hottest days takes both understanding and preparation. Knowing that your cooling system hits its limits once temperatures climb above 95°F helps you set realistic expectations for what your equipment can do. When your AC system is already working at full capacity, it needs extra help to keep running efficiently during heat waves.

Air conditioners that are more than 12 years old often have trouble keeping up with today’s increasingly hot summers. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can handle extreme weather better while cutting your energy bills. If you’re keeping your current system, having a professional check it over ensures the refrigerant levels are correct and all electrical parts are ready for summer’s demands.

Small actions can make a big impact on how well your system performs. Scheduling a seasonal tune-up catches potential problems before the heat arrives. Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass clippings, and other debris so air can flow freely. Using a programmable thermostat helps you find the right balance between staying comfortable and managing energy costs.

Scotty’s HVAC is ready to help you create the best cooling strategy for your home. Call today to schedule a system check or discuss any repairs your equipment might need. With the right preparation and expert support, you can keep your home comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside.