When it’s over 90° in Portland or Vancouver and your home is still warm, even though the air conditioner’s been running for hours, it’s easy to panic. Is your system broken? Maybe not.
Record-breaking heat like we’re seeing across the Pacific Northwest this summer puts every AC system under strain. Even a perfectly working unit might struggle to keep up. Here’s why, and what you can do about it.
1. Your System Has Limits in Extreme Heat
Most central air conditioners and mini splits are sized to handle typical summer highs, not extreme heat. If your indoor temps are 75-80° with the AC running constantly, it might still be working… just maxed out.
What to do:
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Don’t set the thermostat too low. Keep it around 75-78°F so the system can cycle instead of running nonstop.
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Close blinds and curtains during the hottest hours of the day.
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Avoid running heat-producing appliances (oven, dryer, etc.) in the afternoon.
2. It Might Be Dirty or Blocked
Dusty filters, clogged coils, and blocked outdoor units are common reasons an AC system can’t keep up, even when it’s not 90° out.
Quick fixes:
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Change your air filter if it’s been more than a month.
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Gently hose off the outside condenser unit (turn power off first).
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Make sure no weeds, furniture, or fences are blocking airflow around the unit.
3. Your Mini Split Might Be Undersized
Mini splits are a great choice in our region, but if yours was sized for a smaller area and you’ve opened up the space (say, added an office or opened the doors between rooms), it might not be strong enough.
What you can try:
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Close doors to unused rooms to reduce the cooling load.
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Use ceiling or box fans to help circulate cool air faster.
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If you’re relying on a single head to cool multiple rooms, call us to talk about adding a zone.
4. When to Call for Repair
If your unit:
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Blows warm air
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Never shuts off
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Leaks water or refrigerant
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Trips your breaker
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Or the temp keeps rising inside despite all efforts…
It’s time to bring in a pro.
We’ll come to you anywhere in the Portland-Vancouver metro area to check your system and give you honest advice. At Refer Guy, we fix what others say can’t be fixed, and all of our work is covered by warranty.
Need AC Help in the Heat? We’ve Got You Covered.
If your home AC or mini split just isn’t cutting it during this heatwave, give us a call. Whether it’s a quick cleanout, a refrigerant recharge, or a full repair, we’ll get it done fast, fair, and without upselling you.
👉 Mention this blog post and get $100 off your first residential HVAC service.
Serving Portland, Vancouver, and the entire metro area.
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