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HVAC Comfort Financing

Extreme Temperatures & Your Air Conditioner’s Performance

Temperatures are rising which can be stressful not only on your family, your pets and those who are working outside but also on your air conditioning system.


If you think your air conditioner is failing to cool efficiently, here are a few things to consider. Is the a/c failing to cool upstairs or in a home with vaulted ceilings or many windows? HVAC systems are designed to cool to a maximum of 20º below the outside temperature.

A thermometer shows a temperature of 120 degrees

So, if the outside temperature is near 100º, then cooling to 80º may be the best the system can do.  A/C systems aren’t designed to perform efficiently in extreme temperatures as well as in normal temperatures.


Troubleshooting the failure to cool.

  • Again, if the system is cooling close to 20º to the outside temperature, then it’s probably doing the best it can. If the indoor temperature is closer to the outside temperature, you probably need a service call.
  • If you notice your system is cooling better in the middle of the night or early in the morning when the temperature outside is cooler, then it is probably due to the outside extreme heat.
  • Have you found a water leak at the indoor unit or ice on the indoor or outdoor coils? If so, you need to place a service call.


Tips for helping to keep your home cooler when the A/C is running.

  • Keep the blinds or curtains closed.
  • Try not to open and close doors and windows too often.
  • Turn on ceiling fans; it will help to move air and feel a bit cooler.
  • Clean the filter or replace it.
  • Set the thermostat higher than normal. Operating your system in extreme heat could cause a breakdown of motors, capacitors, or other parts.
  • Make sure the outdoor unit can breathe. Remove any obstacles including shrubbery that are surrounding it.
  • Cook outdoors instead of using the oven; run the dishwasher and do laundry at night when it’s cooler.
  • Seasonal maintenance of your HVAC system should help prevent system failures at times when you need your system the most.


If your air conditioner is failing to cool properly and it isn’t due to extreme heat affecting its performance, contact us for service.


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