Why Home ACs Fail During Heatwaves (And What to Do About It)
Just moved in and your AC already feels like it’s struggling?
You’re not alone. With temperatures rising and more heat warnings, thousands of HVAC systems in the U.S. are failing under the pressure.
Heating and Cooling Issues? Click Here!
Why This Summer Is Going to Be Tough on Your HVAC System
HVAC systems have a history of breaking down during the first extreme heatwave of the season. This is because high outdoor temperatures drastically increase the load on your cooling system, especially if it’s old or didn’t have proper maintenance.
Record-breaking heat paired with an unknown maintenance history can mean a very sweaty (and expensive) summer for homeowners.
Complete This HVAC Checklist:
1. Verify your system’s age: If your system is over 15 years old, especially if it uses R-22 refrigerant—it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan and is inefficient by today’s standards (HVAC.com).
2. Change your air filters: A top cause of reduced efficiency is clogged filters. You should be checking them monthly and replacing them every 1 – 3 months.
3. Check thermostat function: Save up to 10% annually by using your smart thermostat properly (ENERGY STAR).
4. Book a professional inspection: Increase efficiency by up to 30% by scheduling routine check-ups in order to catch issues before they cause a system failure (U.S. Department of Energy, 2010).
🚨 Warning Signs of Imminent Failure 🚨
Watch out for:
- Hot or cold spots in your home
- Your system is restarting frequently or having short cycles
- Strange noises or burning smells
- Warm air instead of cool
- Your energy bills are higher, but your usage hasn’t changed.
😨 What If You Need to Replace It? 😨
Don’t panic!
Newer systems like the ArcticFlex by Blue Ridge are engineered for high-efficiency cooling and use the eco-friendly R-454B refrigerant. The ArcticFlex reduces the need for backup electric heat and cutting utility costs during both summer and winter. Click HERE to learn more.
Also, qualifying systems that meet current CEE efficiency standards might also be eligible for federal tax incentives under the 25C program (Internal Revenue Service, 2025).
Want to learn more about HVAC lifespan, warning indicators, and when to upgrade?
🛠️ Why Choose Blue Ridge Heating & Air? 🛠️
We specialize in helping homeowners in North and South Carolina protect their comfort and investment through our Comfort Maintenance Plan, which includes:
- Two tune-ups per year
- Priority scheduling during emergencies
- Discounts on repairs
- Extended equipment life through proactive care
And with our knowledge of new refrigerant rules and high-efficiency system options, we make it easy to choose the right system no matter if you’re replacing today or planning for the future.
📞 Need to know whether to repair or replace? We’ve got you.
Call Blue Ridge Heating & Air.
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✅ Get a quote
✅ Get it done right
✅ Sleep better
📚 References
- HVAC.com. (n.d.). How long do air conditioners last? HVAC.com. Retrieved June 24, 2025, from https://www.hvac.com/expert-advice/how-long-do-air-conditioners-last/
- ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). Heating and cooling. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved June 24, 2025, from https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling
- U.S. Department of Energy. (2010). Operations & maintenance best practices: A guide to achieving operational efficiency (Release 3.0). https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf
- Internal Revenue Service. (2025). Energy efficient home improvement credit (FS-2025-01). https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2025-01.pdf
