If you’ve been feeling like your AC isn’t keeping up lately, you’re not imagining things. Here in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus, the summer heat can push your air conditioning to the limit. And when your home or business still feels warm, even though the AC is running nonstop, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s frustrating. Let’s walk through some common reasons why this happens and what you can do to fix it.
Why Your AC Isn’t Keeping Up
Your air conditioning system should keep your home cool, no matter how hot it gets outside. But when it doesn’t, there’s usually a reason behind it.
Your System Is Undersized
One of the biggest issues we see is that the AC system is too small for the size of the home or business. If your AC was installed years ago—or wasn’t properly sized to begin with—it might not be able to cool every room evenly, especially during extreme heat.
Fix it: Have a professional from Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air perform a load calculation. We’ll measure your space and recommend the right-sized unit to keep your indoor space cool and comfortable.
Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter can choke off airflow and make your AC work harder than it should. When airflow is restricted, your system can’t circulate enough cool air throughout your home.
Fix it: Change your filters at least every 1–3 months. If you’ve got pets or allergies, check them even more often.
Poor Insulation or Air Leaks
If cool air is leaking out of your home, or if your attic and walls aren’t properly insulated, your air conditioning is fighting a losing battle. Hot air from the outside can sneak in and undo all your AC’s hard work.
Fix it: Seal around windows and doors, and consider adding insulation to your attic or crawl space. These small improvements can make a big difference.
Refrigerant Issues
If your system is low on refrigerant, it can’t cool properly. You might notice your AC is blowing lukewarm air or that it’s constantly running without really lowering the temperature.
Fix it: This is something only a licensed HVAC technician should handle. Our trained experts can check refrigerant levels and recharge or repair your system if needed.
Old or Outdated Equipment
Even the best air conditioning units don’t last forever. If your AC system is nearing or over 10–15 years old, you may want to consider a replacement. Older units are more likely to struggle with rising temperatures and humidity and are less efficient.
Fix it: Consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient unit. Today’s AC systems offer better performance, use less energy, and come with smart features that help you control the temperature with ease.
Quick Tips to Help Your AC Keep Up
There are a few simple steps you can take to help your AC work better during the hottest days of the year.
Use Fans to Help Circulate Air
Ceiling fans or box fans can help spread cool air more evenly throughout your home. Just make sure your ceiling fan is spinning counterclockwise to push cool air down.
Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed
The sun beating through your windows can heat up your rooms fast. Keeping shades closed during the hottest parts of the day helps your AC work less and your home stay cooler.
Don’t Block Vents or Registers
Make sure nothing is blocking your vents—like furniture or rugs. Good airflow is key to keeping your space cool.
Call in the Pros at Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air
If you’ve tried all these tips and your AC isn’t keeping up, don’t sweat it—literally. At Dixie, we’ve been helping homeowners and business owners beat the heat since 1908. We’re family-owned, local, and trusted for our reliable service and expert advice.
Our skilled team can check your air conditioning system, tune it up, repair any problems, or recommend a replacement that’s just right for your home. We proudly serve Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, Columbus, and the surrounding areas.
Stay Cool with Confidence
You don’t have to put up with a home that won’t stay cool in the summer. Whether it’s something simple like a dirty filter or something bigger like an outdated unit, Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air is here to help. Give us a call today and let’s make sure your AC can handle whatever the Alabama and Georgia heat throws your way. If you prefer, we also offer easy online scheduling.
