Extreme heat challenges air conditioners across the region

BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — With heat index values in the triple digits, air conditioning units have been struggling to keep up and cool people to their preferred temperature. 

Justin Fulford, owner of Fulford Heating and Cooling, says once the outside air temperature exceeds 92 degrees, AC units can only cool the indoors to about 75 or 76 degrees. 

If your system is set to be cooler, it may run continuously and could fail from overworking.  

Fulford says, it is important to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC unit. 

“But really, just being nice to the system. Replacing systems every 10 to 12 years, especially at the beach because the new, higher efficient systems are putting out colder air temperatures than the old 410A and R22 systems that are still in our market,” Fulford said. 

Fulford adds, this time of year it is important to check your drains and make sure they’re cleaned. Also check the air filters and use thinner filters. If you like it cooler at night, you can run the temperatures a little lower compared to the heat of the day.