We’ve all been there. It’s another 100-degree day in Argyle, Texas, and the best choice is to just stay inside and keep cool. The only problem is that your trusty AC unit isn’t hitting the temperature setting you punched in on the thermostat. You clearly have it set at a comfortable 74 degrees, but the inside temps aren’t getting lower than 76 or 77 degrees. What gives?
The first thing to realize is that you’re not alone. Many residents of Argyle, Lantana, and surrounding communities also wonder why their AC won’t cool to the set point on the hottest days of the year. And the answer could be an obvious one.
Your AC unit isn’t equipped to handle that load.
Surprising as it may sound, there might not be anything wrong with your AC unit — even if it’s not hitting the desired set point on your thermostat. In many cases, it’s likely that your AC is not equipped to handle that kind of heat for long periods of time.
And to be perfectly honest, most aren’t. Many systems only cool to a maximum of 20 degrees below the outside temp. So if it’s 100 degrees outside (or higher), the best your system can do is likely cool your home to 80. This is especially true in North Texas, where the average temperature can hover at or above 100 degrees for most of the day.
If your AC unit is working but simply can’t keep up, here are a few ways to keep your house cooler:
1. Use your ceiling fans — Fans keep air circulating in your home and push cooler air down in each room. This keeps a cool breeze in each area of your home and takes the load off your AC unit.
2. Set your thermostat a little higher — The U.S. Department of Energy recommends to stay comfortable and save money this summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home. Increase it by at least seven degrees when you’re not at home.
3. Change your filters — Air filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles and ensure critical airflow cycles to and from your air conditioner. Most air filter manufacturers like General Electric, Filtrete, HEPA, and Honeywell and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every three months. But a lot of that depends on the size and quality of your air filter.
4. Keep the outdoor unit clean and clear — Grass clippings, dirt, leaves, landscaping, weeds, etc., can collect on fan blades and compromise components. This prevents airflow, limits component lifespans, and keeps the system from working efficiently.
5. Keep your blinds and curtains closed — Closing the blinds, shades, and curtains during a hot, sunny day keeps the sun from gradually heating up your home. This is particularly important in rooms that aren’t being used that often.
What If It’s More Than Just the Temperature Outside?
If your unit keeps running and running, or the temperature inside your home is creeping well above 80 degrees, you could have a refrigerant leak, component issue, or even a problem with your thermostat that needs to be addressed.
The secret to ensuring your home’s HVAC system runs efficiently and helps keep your AC bills from going through the roof comes down to one major to-do item: preventative maintenance. Sure, everything may be working great right now, but more often than not, the families who stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter are the ones who have their systems professionally inspected, serviced, and cleaned before those peak times of the year become unruly.
Call A&A Air Today!
Watching your AC unit struggle during the summer months can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to overcome this, including scheduling preventative maintenance for your AC unit. At A&A Air, we take your family’s comfort seriously. We know our job inside and out and respond promptly.
All you need to do is give us a call today!
We proudly serve Argyle, TX, Lantana, TX, and surrounding areas. You can email us at customercare@AAair.net or call 972-951-1320.Create an article.