Why is My AC Struggling to Keep Up with the Heat?

Your air conditioner may have to work harder when temperatures reach into the 90s during the Indiana summer heatwaves, but it’s not normal for it to run constantly, or to struggle to maintain a consistent, comfortable indoor temperature. Your HVAC system should be installed and sized correctly, with enough power to keep your space cool no matter what it’s like outside. 

At Dugan Air Heating and Cooling, we provide Premium HVAC services and friendly customer service, giving our Indiana customers fast, high-quality care and keeping them cool on the hottest days. If your AC can’t keep up with the heat, give us a call and Experience the Dugan Difference, with honest, personalized service you can trust. We’ll come take a look ASAP, and fix the problem for you at your earliest convenience.

Dirty Filters and Coils

When the filters and coils inside your air conditioner are coated with dust and grime, it affects the AC airflow, stopping it from removing heat and humidity from the air in your home. 

You can try changing the filter, but if the problems persist, schedule a maintenance call for a thorough cleaning and tune-up. The HVAC technicians at Dugan will also check over the entire system, making sure all parts are working as they should. 

Filters should be changed every three months on average, and coils should be professionally cleaned at least once per year.  If further repairs are needed, our techs will give you a full rundown, along with a price quote and their expert recommendations. 

Your AC Might Be Too Small for the Space

If your AC unit can’t keep up with cooling your home, it might be too small for your home. Some common signs an air conditioner is the wrong size include:

• Running continuously
• Short cycling 
• Uneven temperatures
• High energy bills
• Frequent breakdowns
• Inadequate cooling

If you’re ready for an AC upgrade or believe your air conditioner might be too small for the space it’s in, speak to our Comfort Advisor. We’ll provide an in-home assessment and let you know what we can do to fix the issue. If you end up needing a bigger AC, our team will help you find the right type of traditional air conditioner or ductless mini-split system for premium home comfort.

Low Refrigerant Levels

If your air conditioner has low refrigerant, it reduces its cooling capacity because the refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat from the surrounding air. This heat transfer moves the warmth outside, cooling the air in your home. 

When refrigerant is low, your air conditioner has to work harder to absorb heat, resulting in longer running times, lower efficiency, and overall reduced performance. This could also make the compressor overheat, damaging the unit. 

Your air conditioner coils are made to be a closed system, so if your refrigerant levels drop, this means there’s a leak, because of problems like:

• Wear and tear
• Vibrations loosening components
• Corrosion
• Improper installation
• Factory defects

If you hear a hissing sound, smell exhaust, see refrigerant leaking or pooling around the AC, or notice frozen coils or increased humidity in your home, don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself. Turn your air conditioner off, keep children and pets away, and call an HVAC expert for help, as refrigerants are hazardous to your health and safety.  

Overheating Compressor

If your air conditioner is too dirty, has electrical issues, a faulty fan or low refrigerant, or otherwise has bad ventilation, the compressor will eventually overheat, triggering a safety mechanism that shuts it down to prevent damage. 

The air conditioner will turn off and stop cooling the room when this happens, and may begin short cycling, turning on and off rapidly, as it tries repeatedly to cool the room then overheats again.

A short cycling air conditioner will eventually undergo a full system failure, because it’s working too hard for too long. If you’ve noticed your AC isn’t adequately cooling your home, the compressor may be the issue. Contact Dugan for an HVAC service call and we’ll clean out the AC, and fix the underlying cause of the problem so it doesn’t happen again.

Your AC Is Just Too Old to Handle the Heat

Depending on the type of system you have, your air conditioner’s lifespan ranges from 10 to 15 years. An older air conditioner will have more wear and tear, with reduced efficiency that causes it to work harder and use more energy to cool your home. If your air conditioner is over a decade old and starting to struggle, it will likely be less expensive in the long term to replace the system rather than continually repairing it. 

Another reason AC replacement is a good idea for older models is the impact of new refrigerant regulations, introduced in 2025. Certain older refrigerant types are being phased out of use due to their effects on the environment. As time goes on it’ll be more difficult to find refrigerant and parts for older systems. Upgrading will not only be better for the environment, but will also make repairs and service cheaper and faster. 

What to Do When Your Central AC Can’t Keep Up With Heat

There are some DIY solutions you can try when your air conditioner’s not cooling enough. These include:

• Changing or cleaning the filter
• Adjusting the thermostat settings
• Use ceiling fans and close the blinds

At Dugan, our technicians are professional troubleshooters. We know how to find the common reasons your AC blows warm air, fixing the underlying issues so the problem is solved for good. 

In some cases, you may also want to consider replacing your AC. We’ll provide you with all your options after a comprehensive assessment, giving you our recommendations without pushing unnecessary or expensive services. You’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision, without any pressure to schedule service or make a purchase right away.

How to Prevent AC Problems in Extreme Heat

The best way to prevent air conditioner problems before they happen is to schedule routine maintenance at least once a year. At Dugan, we provide tune-ups and service calls year-round, so you can keep your system in top shape. 

Joining our Premium Clover Club maintenance program will give you true home comfort and peace of mind, offering discounts, priority service, waived overtime and service call fees, and more. Call any time to learn more about the Clover Club, or to book your next air conditioner tune up. 

Contact Dugan Air Today for HVAC Service

Whether you need help resolving a musty smell coming from your air conditioner or you think you need a full AC upgrade, Dugan Air Heating & Cooling can help. Our team approaches every job with a no-nonsense, straightforward attitude, getting the job done right the first time. 

Call us today or use our online appointment scheduling system to book in. We’re your local HVAC service experts, and we strive to deliver exceptional whole-home comfort to our Hoosier State community.