It’s the kind of Texas heat that makes the pavement shimmer. You’ve just hauled in groceries, drenched in sweat, and all you want is that blast of cold air inside your home.
Instead, you walk into warm, muggy air. The AC is on. You can hear it, feel it, but the air coming out might as well be from a hair dryer.
You’re hot, frustrated, and wondering: Is something wrong? Or is this just how AC works in extreme heat?
If you’re in Dallas, Houston, or anywhere in Texas, the answer might surprise you. This blog explains why your AC may be struggling, how you can help it perform better, and when to call the pros at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric.
Is It Normal for AC to Struggle on Hot Days?
Yes, it is normal for AC to struggle on hot days, especially during a Texas summer when temperatures regularly climb above 100°F. Most AC units are designed to cool a home by about 20 degrees below the outside temperature. So, if it’s 105° outside, your AC may only be able to maintain your indoor temperature at 85°.
That might not feel refreshing, but it’s not necessarily a sign that something’s broken.
Why Your AC Might Be Falling Behind
When the temperature outside climbs into the triple digits, even the best air conditioning systems can start to lose the battle. If your home just won’t cool down the way it used to, or it never quite gets comfortable to begin with, there’s usually more than one culprit at play. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common reasons your AC might be falling behind the heat:
Your Home Is Taking in More Heat Than Your AC Can Handle
Texas summers don’t play around. When it’s 105°F outside and your home is trying to stay at a comfortable 75°F, that’s a 30-degree difference your system is expected to maintain. The problem? Most AC systems are only designed to handle around a 20-degree temperature difference. Add in older homes with thin insulation, drafty windows, and aging weather stripping, and suddenly you’ve got a house that’s leaking cold air like a sieve, and soaking up outdoor heat like a sponge.
If your attic lacks proper insulation or you can feel warm air pooling near windows and doors, you’re likely dealing with a heat load problem. Every bit of outside air that sneaks in forces your system to work harder, longer, and less efficiently.
Your AC Might Be Undersized
Here’s the truth: even the most well-maintained AC systems have their limits. Just like a car struggles up a steep hill with a full load, your air conditioner can hit its performance ceiling when the demand becomes too much. This is especially true for older or undersized systems, units that may have been fine ten years ago but are now overmatched by hotter summers and higher cooling expectations.
Sometimes the issue isn’t failure…it’s capacity. Your unit may be running exactly as designed, but it simply wasn’t built to cool a house of your size under this level of heat. If your system runs non-stop and never quite hits the temperature you’ve set, it may be undersized for your home or nearing the end of its life.
Everyday Habits Are Hurting Efficiency
Sometimes we unknowingly make things harder for our AC. Everyday habits can add heat or reduce system efficiency without us even realizing it. For example:
Leaving blinds open during peak sun hours lets radiant heat pour into your home, especially through south- and west-facing windows.
Forgetting to change your air filter causes reduced airflow, leading to frozen coils or overheating.
Skipping annual maintenance means dust and debris build up inside your unit, forcing it to work harder to do the same job.
These small things add up fast. You might not notice a missed filter change or a few hours of sunlight on the living room floor, but your AC notices. The result is a warmer home and a system under constant stress.
Quick Check: Walk through your house and inspect for these issues:
- Hot spots near windows or doors
- Weak airflow from vents
- Doors and windows that don’t seal properly
If your home has any of these, it’s likely part of the reason your AC seems overwhelmed. And yes, is it normal for AC to struggle on hot days when these factors come into play? Absolutely.
What to Do When Your AC Can’t Keep Up
1. Help Keep the Heat Out
If your air conditioner’s struggling to cool your home, you might be fighting against more than just the temperature outside. Heat can sneak into your home through small, often overlooked entry points—like gaps around windows and doors, thin attic insulation, or bare windows soaking up the afternoon sun. When that happens, your AC has to work overtime just to maintain the temperature you set.
Here’s what you can do to take the pressure off your system:
- Block direct sunlight: Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day—especially on south- and west-facing windows—to reduce solar heat gain.
- Seal up air leaks: Use weather stripping or caulk to close gaps around windows, doors, and attic hatches. These small fixes can make a big difference.
- Boost attic insulation: Hot air collects in your attic and radiates downward. Upgrading insulation or installing a radiant barrier can help keep that heat out of your living space.
- Cover heat-radiating surfaces: Rugs, window films, and insulated curtains can help stop heat from building up indoors.
These simple steps reduce the amount of heat entering your home—giving your AC less to fight against, and helping it cool more effectively.
2. Make Sure Your AC Is Running Right
If the air coming from your vents isn’t cool—or the airflow feels weak—your system could be dealing with an issue that’s easy to overlook.
Here’s what you can do:
- Change your air filter: A clogged filter can cause poor airflow and even frozen coils. Swap it out every 30 days during summer.
- Watch for signs of trouble: Strange noises, short cycling, or warm air at the vents can mean it’s time for a tune-up.
- Check for frozen coils: If you see ice on your system, turn it off to let it thaw. Running it frozen can make the problem worse.
- Book a maintenance visit: A trained technician can check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and catch small issues before they become big ones.
Taking care of your system—and your home—can make a big difference in how well your AC keeps up with the heat.
Tip: If it’s been more than a year since your last maintenance visit, schedule a tune-up. Systems under regular stress need consistent care. Remember, is it normal for AC to struggle on hot days? Yes, but you can still help your system perform better.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone. And You’re Not Powerless
Let’s be honest, is it normal for AC to struggle on hot days? Yes. Especially in Texas. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck sweating it out with an underperforming system.
With a few smart fixes, ongoing maintenance, and help from the pros at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home.
HVAC Services from Bacon That Can Help:
- AC Repair
- AC Installation
- AC Maintenance
- Ductless Air Conditioners
- Thermostat Services
If you’re wondering, is it normal for AC to struggle on hot days? The answer is yes, but it’s not something you have to live with forever. Bacon’s expert techs can diagnose the issue and get your home cool again fast.
Call Bacon at if your AC can’t keep up.
