A cartoon Air Conditioner trying to "stay cool" in the midst of the Texas heat

How “Chill” Can Your Air Conditioner Really Be This Summer?

As we continue to experience record setting heat in the Metroplex, you may have noticed your air conditioner is failing to provide the cool temperature you’re used to. Maybe you’re wondering if you have a problem with your HVAC that your wallet is not ready to face.

Here at Air-Max Solutions, we totally get it. When the Texan sun blazes overhead, you want your home to be a cool, comforting sanctuary.

But remember, if your AC isn’t chilling your space as you’d like, it doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong. Every air conditioner has its a max to the amount of cool air it can produce, even if it’s in tip-top shape.

Pushing Your AC To the Max?

All air conditioners, regardless of brand or how new they are, have a cooling limit. Typically, an AC unit can lower indoor temperatures by 15-25 degrees compared to the outdoors.

That means, if it’s a sizzling 95 degrees outside and you’re aiming for a frigid 65 inside, it might be a stretch for your AC to pull off. If you’re being realistic, you might achieve temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees.

And if you set the thermostat beyond this 15-25 degree range, you are merely forcing your AC to run non-stop even though it cannot physically hit the target temperature.

A woman is sweating, as she tries to lower the temperature on her air conditioner's thermostat.

Getting the Most From Your Thermostat

You might think pushing your thermostat’s limit will pump out cooler air, but that’s not the case. No matter how many times you press that down arrow on the thermostat, the air conditioner cannot produce more cool air than it already is pushing out..

This endless effort doesn’t just stress your AC; it also bumps up your energy bill. A smart tip from the U.S. Department of Energy is to stick to 78 degrees in the summer. Raising it just a few degrees from 72 can save up to 3% on your cooling expenses.

Ways to Keep Your Home Cooler

You might not have control over Mother Nature, but you can do some things to keep your home’s interior cooler, especially when your AC is working full tilt:

  • Draw the blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight
  • Wait till evening for chores like laundry or running the dishwasher
  • Opt for grilling outside instead of using the oven
  • Set the thermostat slightly higher to reduce AC strain
  • Make sure your AC’s filter is clean, changing it if needed

The Importance of AC Check-ups

Like any machine, your AC requires regular check-ups to keep it working in optimal condition. Many of the urgent calls we get during summer stem from neglecting this simple upkeep.

Frequent inspections for the right refrigerant amounts and clean coils can stop your AC from breaking down. You will also notice a boost in efficiency. While it might not transform your house into a freezer, it’s a solid defense against the relentless Texas heat.

Air-Max Solutions offers a Routine Maintenance Package with two visits a year to keep your HVAC in prime condition. We’re committed to helping your AC work its best, ensuring you’re cool and comfy even on the hottest days.

Give us a call today at 972.876.0703. Whether you need an emergency repair or want to schedule a tune-up, we provide solutions to your AC problems!

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