How to Keep Your Home Cool
This Summer
Summers in the Maryland and DC Metro area are hot and humid, pushing your air conditioning (AC) system to its limits. If you find that your home doesn’t feel cool, your energy bills are rising, and your family is uncomfortable inside, then your AC may need maintenance, repairs, or a replacement. Late July and early August are peak seasons for homeowners to contact AC contractors for emergency repairs. Being proactive with regular maintenance and inspections on your AC system can help you save money on emergency repairs while keeping your family cool and comfortable during intense summers.
In this guide, created by our team at Capps Mechanical, you’ll learn why your AC struggles to keep your home comfortable.
Why Your AC Struggles When Summer Gets Brutal
Why is my air conditioner struggling in the summer? There are many reasons your AC system isn’t cooling your home sufficiently. Even if the AC turns on and you can hear it working, if it has issues or your home isn’t properly insulated, the system may work hard to keep the air cool and the humidity levels down.
Common Reasons Your AC Can't Keep Up
If your AC is not cooling the house enough, the following reasons may be the cause:
Dirty Air Filters
Over time, the air filters in your AC system become clogged, preventing cool air from flowing into your home. Cleaning or changing the air filters is a fairly simple task that most homeowners can handle themselves. Read the manual for your system to learn how to clean or replace them and how to choose the right size and type.
Refrigerant Leak
Most AC systems won’t experience a leak in the cooling system, but if the AC isn’t working properly, there could be a problem. The AC’s cooling system is complex and needs a professional HVAC technician to locate the leak, repair it, and replace the refrigerant fluid.
Wrong-Sized AC System
An AC system that’s not sized right can create a lot of problems. If the system is too big for your home, it may short-cycle. The system won’t run long enough to cool the house and remove the humidity that makes you feel uncomfortable. An undersized system will run constantly, increasing your energy bills. You need an expert to determine the correct AC for your unique living space.
Leaks in the Ductwork
If your home has central air conditioning, it has a ducting system, which allows air to flow into the rooms of your house. When properly installed and maintained, the ducting works smoothly and efficiently. However, if there is a leak in the ductwork, cool air is lost in the basement or attic instead of your home. Call for a professional ductwork inspection and repair.
Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coil part of your AC system sits outside of your home. Its role is to release the collected heat from inside and blow it to the outside. The condenser coil then takes cool air created through the refrigerant and allows it to flow back into your living space. If the coils become clogged with dirt or get iced up, the heat exchange process isn’t efficient, and your AC can’t cool your house. Repairs to your condenser coil require a professional HVAC technician.
Poor Insulation
Poor insulation in your attic lets too much heat into your home, making your AC struggle to keep up. In addition, if your doors and windows don’t have weather stripping, warm air can leak in, and cool air flows out, which can make your home uncomfortable and your energy bills rise. If you’re handy, installing insulation and weather stripping is something you can DIY.
Faulty Thermostat
Often, a bad thermostat can be the culprit behind your AC not functioning properly. The wiring can be faulty, there may be calibration issues, or the thermostat has aged out. Call a professional for thermostat repairs.
How Humidity Makes Your Home Feel Even Hotter
During the summer, the DC Metro area experiences high humidity levels, often over 70-80%. If the humidity level is over 60%, you’ll feel uncomfortable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends humidity levels between 30 and 50% for max comfort and moisture control. One of the functions of your AC system is to remove humidity from inside your home. If it’s not running in top condition, it may not remove enough moisture from your home, making you feel uncomfortable.
Warning Signs Your AC Is Overworking
Call Capps Mechanical for AC repairs or replacement if you notice the following warning signs that the system is overworking or failing:
- Strange noises or smells
- Not cooling properly
- Poor indoor air quality
- Increased energy bills
- Running constantly
- Decreased airflow
- Uneven temperatures throughout the house
What Your Electric Bill Is Trying to Tell You
If you notice an increase in your electric bill from the previous summer, it could be a sign that your AC is not working properly. As the system works harder to cool and dehumidify your home, it uses more energy, driving up the cost of your summer bills. According to Electric Choice, the average 2026 monthly electric bill is about $172 in the DC Areas. If you see variations in your bills, consider having an AC inspection, repair, or replacement.
Quick Tips to Help Improve the Efficiency of Your AC
Summer home cooling tips for the DC Metro area include:
- Regular AC/HVAC maintenance
- Installing a smart thermostat
- Adding a zoning system
- Having a new AC system installed
- Keep your air vents and filters clean
- Insulate and add weather stripping
- Avoid running heat-producing appliances during the peak heat of the day
Don't Wait Until Your AC Breaks Down This Summer
If your AC is not performing optimally, contact Capps Mechanical as soon as possible. Our AC repair experts highly trained to ensure they have the advanced knowledge to maintain and repair your AC system.
