How to Help Your AC Keep Up During Extreme Summer Heat

When summer temperatures climb into the upper 90s and beyond, your air conditioner has to work much harder than usual to keep your home comfortable. During the hottest stretches of the year, even a well-maintained HVAC system may run longer and more often than normal.

The good news is that there are several simple things homeowners can do to help reduce the strain on their system and keep their homes as comfortable as possible.

1. Start With a Clean Air Filter

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your HVAC system work harder to move cool air throughout your home.

During periods of extreme heat, check your filter regularly and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged. Homes with pets, allergies, or heavy dust may need filter changes more often.

A clean filter is one of the simplest ways to support proper airflow and system performance.

2. Keep Your Thermostat at a Reasonable Temperature

When it is extremely hot outside, turning your thermostat down to 65 degrees will not necessarily cool your home any faster.

Instead, it may cause the system to run continuously while trying to reach a temperature that is difficult to maintain.

Choose a comfortable, reasonable thermostat setting and avoid making large temperature adjustments throughout the day.

3. Close Blinds and Curtains During the Hottest Part of the Day

Sunlight coming through your windows can add a surprising amount of heat to your home.

Closing blinds, curtains, or shades during the afternoon can help reduce heat gain, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight.

This small step can help your HVAC system keep up more easily.

4. Avoid Adding Extra Heat Indoors

Your oven, dryer, dishwasher, and other large appliances can add heat to your home.

On especially hot afternoons, consider waiting until the evening to:

• Use the oven

• Run the clothes dryer

• Use heat-producing appliances for long periods

• Complete large loads of dishes or laundry

  
  

Cooking outdoors or choosing meals that require less oven time can also help keep indoor temperatures more comfortable.

5. Keep Vents Open and Clear

Make sure supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains, or other household items.

It may seem like closing vents in unused rooms would help save energy, but in many systems, closing too many vents can actually interfere with proper airflow.

Allowing air to move freely throughout the home helps your HVAC system operate as intended.

6. Use Ceiling Fans to Help You Feel Cooler

Ceiling fans do not actually lower the temperature in a room, but they can make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin.

During the summer, make sure your ceiling fans are rotating in the proper direction to push air downward.

Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room since they cool people, not empty spaces.

7. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor condenser needs plenty of airflow to release heat from your home.

Make sure grass, leaves, weeds, shrubs, and other debris are not blocking the unit.

Try to keep the area around the outdoor equipment clear so air can move freely through it.

8. Expect Your System to Run Longer During Extreme Heat

Longer run times are not always a sign that something is wrong.

During very hot weather, your air conditioner may need to run for extended periods simply to maintain the temperature inside your home.

However, if your system is running constantly and the indoor temperature continues to rise, there may be another issue that needs attention.

Signs Your AC May Be Struggling

Give an HVAC professional a call if you notice:

• Warm air coming from the vents

• Very weak airflow

• Unusual noises or smells

• Your home getting warmer even though the AC is running

• Ice forming on the system

• Frequent system cycling

• A sudden increase in your energy usage

Catching a problem early can sometimes prevent a larger repair later.

Give Your AC a Little Help This Summer

Extreme summer heat can be tough on both homeowners and HVAC systems. A few simple habits can help reduce unnecessary strain and keep your home more comfortable during the hottest days of the year.

And if your air conditioner just cannot seem to keep up, Premier Heating & Air is here to help.

Whether you need AC repair, routine maintenance, or simply want to make sure your system is ready for the heat, our team is proud to help homeowners throughout West Tennessee stay cool and comfortable all summer long.