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Why Your A/C Struggles in Extreme Heat (And What You Can Do About It)

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Greg Nelson

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H2 HEADING

When a heat wave rolls through and temperatures soar into the 90s and beyond, many homeowners start to notice something frustrating: their air conditioner is running constantly, but the house still feels too warm. If that sounds familiar, don’t panic—your A/C isn’t necessarily broken, but it is likely up against its design limits.

A/Cs Aren’t Built for Triple-Digit Temperatures

Most residential air conditioning systems are designed to cool your home about 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. So, if it’s 95°F outside, your A/C can realistically maintain around 75°F inside. But if the heat index is pushing over 100°F, your system is going to have to work overtime—and it may still struggle to keep up.

This doesn’t mean your system is failing; it means it’s doing all it can based on how it was engineered.

So Why Does It Feel Like It's Not Working?

When the temperatures outside reach extreme highs, your system:

  • Runs longer cycles to try to keep your home cool
  • Pulls in hotter air around the outdoor condenser, reducing cooling efficiency
  • Fights higher humidity, which makes your home feel warmer even if the thermostat says otherwise

Combined, these factors make your A/C seem like it’s falling short—even when it’s working as intended.

Tips to Help Your A/C Keep Up During a Heat Wave

While you can’t change the weather, there are a few things you can do to help your system run more efficiently and keep your home as cool as possible:

✅ Close Curtains and Blinds

Direct sunlight can raise the temperature in your home significantly. Keep window coverings closed during peak sun hours.

✅ Don’t Crank the Thermostat Down

Setting your thermostat to 65°F won’t cool your home faster—it just makes your system work harder for longer. Stick to a reasonable target (around 75–78°F during extreme heat).

✅ Use Ceiling Fans

Fans don’t cool the air, but they circulate it, making you feel cooler by improving evaporation of sweat. It’s a great way to supplement your A/C.

✅ Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work much harder. A fresh filter can make a big difference during a heat wave.

✅ Avoid Using Heat-Producing Appliances

Try not to use your oven, stovetop, or clothes dryer during the hottest parts of the day. These add heat your A/C has to work harder to remove.

✅ Schedule Preventive Maintenance

If your system hasn’t been serviced this year, a quick tune-up can boost efficiency, uncover hidden issues, and help your A/C perform its best during the hottest days.

When to Call for Help

If your system is blowing warm air, making unusual noises, or not cooling at all, it could be more than just high temps—it might be time for a repair.

Our team at Service First Heating and Cooling is here to help. Whether your system needs a quick fix, a refrigerant check, or you’re due for a maintenance visit, we’ll make sure your home stays as cool and comfortable as possible—even when Mother Nature has other plans.

📞 614-795-3098
🌐 www.ServiceFirstAir.com

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