Why Your AC Can’t Keep Up on Hot Days

“HELP! My home’s AC can't keep up with the heat!”

The higher the temperature outside, the harder your air conditioner has to work.

And on really hot days in Phoenix with temperatures over 110°, your AC might run constantly without being able to cool your home off.

If that’s what you’re experiencing, here are 2 things you can try to combat this problem:

Here’s how...

Your AC has to remove any heat that makes its way into your home. So here are some tips to keep the heat outside.

Much of the heat that makes its way into your home comes through your windows. Some options to help include:

• Installing shade screens on your windows
• Shading windows with trees or awnings
• Using black-out curtains, shutters or blinds

ENERGY STAR estimates that the average home loses 20% to 30% of the air that passes through a home’s ducts. Those same leaks that let cold air out of your ducts let warm air into your home. Seal your air ducts.

If your home is older, it probably doesn’t have enough insulation in the attic. Adding more insulation helps keep the hot AZ summer out of your home.

Check out the chart on energy.gov for info on how much insulation your attic should have.

Next, make sure you’re doing everything you can for your air conditioner. We’ve covered these tips numerous times before, but make sure you’re:

• Changing the air filter regularly — Seriously. This is THE biggest thing you can do. Don’t neglect it.
• Having a professional clean your AC coils — Neglecting this can lead to many problems, including weak airflow, a frozen AC and more.
• Not being unrealistic with your temp — If it’s over 110° outside, don’t set your thermostat at 68°. Your AC just isn’t designed for that.