Ever notice your air conditioner works great in the morning, but by 3 PM, it starts falling behind? If you find yourself cranking the thermostat lower in the afternoon with little to no relief, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this frustrating AC issue, and the culprit is usually the same: heat load.
Let’s break it down.
The Afternoon Heat Load Spike
During the afternoon, the sun is at its strongest. That extra intensity causes the temperature inside your home to climb. If your house has large windows, poor shading, or gets direct sun exposure, all that heat can quickly build up. Your AC might be perfectly capable of cooling your space in the morning, but it gets overwhelmed when the heat load spikes later in the day.
AC Size And Efficiency Matter
One common issue is an undersized AC unit. If your system is too small for your home’s square footage, it may not be able to handle the full heat load, especially during peak sun hours.
Efficiency is another factor. Older or poorly maintained systems may not run at optimal performance. So even if the unit is technically the right size, it may not be operating well enough to handle the increased demand.
Insulation Could Be The Problem
A poorly insulated home acts like a sponge for heat. If your attic, walls, or windows aren’t properly insulated, hot air can easily seep in and push your indoor temperature up. Air leaks around windows and doors can make things even worse, forcing your AC to work overtime just to keep things comfortable.
Airflow And Maintenance Issues
Another thing to consider is airflow. If your air filter is dirty or your vents are blocked, the cooled air your AC produces won’t circulate properly. That means some rooms may stay warmer than others, especially during peak heat times. Dirty condenser coils on your outdoor unit can also limit how well your system releases heat, further reducing performance.
How To Fix It
- Change Your Filter – A clogged filter is one of the easiest problems to fix. Replace it regularly.
- Clean the Coils – Clear any debris or dirt from your outdoor condenser unit.
- Improve Insulation – Better insulation keeps your home cooler for longer.
- Seal Leaks – Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors.
- Schedule A Professional Evaluation – An HVAC professional can assess whether your system is properly sized and functioning efficiently.
- Get an Energy Audit – A home energy audit can pinpoint areas where your home is losing cool air or gaining heat.
Let SWAN Help You Beat The Heat
If your AC just can’t handle the afternoon sun, it might be time for a tune-up or even a system upgrade. The expert team at SWAN Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you get your home back to cool and comfortable no matter the time of day.