When summer temperatures rise, it can be challenging to keep your home cool at the right temperature. There is more to managing your AC than just changing your filters and getting it serviced once a year.

Your air conditioner unit is sized for what the temperature is most likely to be in your area and is not designed for extremely high temperatures (over 100°F). There is likely nothing wrong with your system even if the temperature on your thermostat is high. Your AC is designed to cool a maximum of 20°F from the outside temperature so while it seems abnormal for your house to be 77°F when it’s set for 71°F, the sustained high temperature outside is also abnormal.

Pretty simple math: if it’s 100°F and your AC is getting to 80°F or below – it is doing its job!

Although there is nothing you can do to control the outside temperature, there are several things to prevent the hot air from coming inside. Beat the summer heat with these tips: