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If your air conditioning is running nonstop on a hot Tallahassee day but your home still doesn’t feel cool enough, you’re not alone. Many Florida homeowners assume something’s wrong with their AC when it can’t keep up with soaring outdoor temperatures. But the truth is, every air conditioner has built-in cooling limits—even when it’s working exactly as it should.
At Peaden, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge. Understanding what your AC can (and can’t) do will help you avoid unnecessary stress, save money on energy bills, and know when it’s time to call in the Peaden Pros for help.
How Air Conditioners Are Designed to Work
Air conditioners don’t create cold air—they remove heat from inside your home and release it outside. Most systems are designed to handle a temperature drop of about 20° from the outdoor temperature. That means if it’s 95°F outside, your AC can realistically cool your home to around 75°F, not 68°F.
This 20° limit is known as the “design temperature differential”, and it’s standard across most residential air conditioning in Tallahassee.
What Affects Your AC’s Performance?
Several factors influence how well your AC can maintain comfort during extreme heat:
1. Insulation & Sealing
Homes with poor insulation, drafty windows, or unsealed ductwork lose cooled air faster, making it harder for your system to keep up.
2. System Size
An undersized AC unit will struggle to cool your entire home, while an oversized one may short cycle and fail to dehumidify properly.
3. Dirty Filters or Coils
If airflow is restricted by a clogged filter or dirty evaporator coil, your system’s efficiency drops significantly.
4. High Humidity
In Tallahassee, humidity is a major factor. AC systems not only cool but also remove moisture. Excess humidity can make your home feel warmer than the thermostat reading suggests.
Signs You May Have an AC Problem
While heat and humidity can test your system’s limits, there are times when something is wrong. Call the Peaden Pros if you notice:
- Warm air blowing from the vents
- Weak airflow throughout the home
- Unusually long or constant cycles
- Spike in energy bills
- AC running but the home won’t cool below 78–80°F
These could indicate issues like low refrigerant, a faulty compressor, dirty coils, or even a thermostat malfunction.
How to Help Your AC Perform Its Best
You may not be able to change the outdoor temperature, but you can help your system work more effectively:
- Replace air filters every 30–60 days
- Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air loss
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air and ease the load on your AC
- Schedule routine maintenance with the Peaden Pros to keep everything clean, tuned, and efficient
And if your system is old, inefficient, or constantly struggling, it may be time to consider an upgrade to a properly sized, high-efficiency unit.
Call the Peaden Pros for AC Service in Tallahassee, FL
Living in Florida means putting your AC to the test nearly year-round. If your system isn’t keeping up—or you’re simply not sure if it’s running at its best—the Peaden Pros are here to help. We offer expert diagnostics, repairs, and installations to ensure your home stays cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient.