Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner Keeping Up With the Heat?

HVAC Tips During Florida’s Extreme Summer Temperatures

Florida summers are no joke, and neither is the heat your air conditioning system has to battle. Most of the time, we don’t give our A/C units much thought. They quietly keep us comfortable, year-round. But when a heat wave hits and temperatures get close to 100 degrees, even a well-functioning system can seem like it’s falling behind.

If your A/C struggles to keep your home at the temperature you’ve set, it might not be a mechanical issue. In many cases, the challenge lies in the structure of your home. Your system may simply not be able to offset the intense heat load caused by extreme weather, especially in older homes not designed for today’s record highs.

We’ve had a flood of calls from Boca Raton homeowners concerned that their A/C can’t keep up. But here’s the reality: cooling systems are not engineered for these historically high heat indexes. If your thermostat is set to 75 but the house sits at 78, that’s not necessarily a sign of failure, it’s often just a reflection of how brutal the weather outside really is.

Why Is This Happening?

When temperatures spike, they tend to reveal weak spots in your home that might not be obvious during milder conditions. Insufficient attic insulation, older windows, worn-out weather stripping, and even the number of people (and pets) in your home can all add to the indoor heat load.

Your air conditioner is designed to keep the indoor air cooler than what’s outside, not to guarantee a specific low temperature no matter the conditions. You might notice your home stays in the high 70s during the hottest part of the day but cools to your desired temperature once the sun sets. That’s not unusual, and in many cases, your system is working exactly as intended.

A technician may confirm that your A/C is operating correctly even if it’s not quite hitting your preferred indoor temperature during peak heat. This doesn’t automatically mean you need a new or larger system.

Should I Upgrade to a Bigger System?

While increasing the tonnage of your A/C unit might seem like a good solution for extreme heat, it’s not always the best choice. A larger unit may cool your home faster in summer, but it may also shut off too quickly to properly remove humidity during the rest of the year. That can lead to comfort issues and even mold concerns. Plus, upgrading to a bigger unit usually means upgrading your ductwork, adding more cost and complexity.

What Can You Do in the Meantime?

Here are some easy, affordable ways to help your A/C keep up during a Florida heatwave:

• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
• Limit how often you open doors to prevent heat from entering
• Replace or clean air filters regularly
• Use a portable A/C unit to support your central system, especially in rooms that get the most sun

A portable unit can also be helpful in emergencies. If you lose power, it can run off a small generator to keep one room livable until service is restored. After the summer, store it away for hurricane season or next year’s heat.

Consider Long-Term Improvements

If your home consistently struggles to stay cool, look into:

• Upgrading old or drafty windows and doors
• Improving insulation in your attic and walls
• Adding solar film or blackout window treatments to reduce heat gain

We know it’s frustrating when your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should—but in many cases, your A/C is doing all it can. We hope this explanation provides peace of mind and helps you avoid unnecessary service calls.

If you still have questions or want your system checked, give us a call. We’re here to help and always ready to support our Boca Raton community, especially when the temperatures get close to triple digits.