Why Your AC Might Be Struggling in Wichita’s Hot, Humid Summers

Summers in Wichita are hot and humid, often pushing your air conditioner to its limit. When the heat index climbs into the triple digits, your AC is expected to keep up, but sometimes it just can’t. If you’ve noticed your system running constantly without properly cooling your home, you’re not alone.

Let’s break down some of the most common reasons your air conditioning might be struggling during a Wichita summer, and what you can do about it.

1. It’s Simply Too Hot Outside

When outdoor temps soar into the 90s and beyond, most AC units are designed to cool indoor spaces by about 15–20°F lower than the outside temperature. That means if it’s 100°F out, your system may only get you down to 80–85°F inside. It's working, just maxed out. This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a major issue, but it does mean your system may benefit from a tune-up or efficiency boost.

2. High Humidity Is Making Things Worse

Wichita’s humid climate doesn’t just make the heat feel worse, it also puts extra strain on your AC. Air conditioners are designed to remove both heat and moisture from the air. When humidity levels are high, your system has to work overtime to keep things comfortable. If your home feels cool but clammy, or if your AC seems to run constantly, poor humidity control may be the culprit.

3. Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

One of the simplest causes of poor cooling? A dirty air filter. When filters become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, your AC has to work harder to pull air through the system. That leads to reduced airflow, warm spots, and higher energy bills. In Wichita, where pollen and dust can build up quickly, changing your air filter every 1–3 months is especially important during peak cooling season.

4. Refrigerant Issues

Low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak can seriously impair your AC’s ability to cool. You might notice warm air blowing from your vents, ice on the refrigerant lines, or a hissing sound near the outdoor unit. This is not DIY fix. You’ll need a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem safely.

5. Lack of Regular Maintenance

Your AC system needs regular maintenance to run efficiently, especially when it's expected to cool your home through months of high heat and humidity. Without routine inspections and tune-ups, small issues (like loose components, dirty coils, or blocked drains) can turn into major performance problems.

6. Your AC Unit May Be Undersized or Aging

If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old, or wasn’t properly sized for your home when it was installed, it might not be capable of handling Wichita’s peak summer demands. In these cases, a system upgrade could improve comfort and reduce energy costs in the long run.

Trust the Local Experts at Bowers Plumbing Company

While we're known across Wichita for expert plumbing services, Bowers Plumbing Company also offers full HVAC solutions, including AC repair, maintenance, and installation. Our licensed technicians understand the unique challenges of cooling homes in Kansas’s hot, humid climate and we’re here to make sure your system keeps you comfortable when you need it most.

Is Your AC Falling Behind? Let’s Fix That.

Don’t sweat it! Call the local HVAC pros Wichita trusts. Whether you need a fast repair, seasonal maintenance, or a full system replacement, Bowers Plumbing Company is ready to help.

Call us today to get your AC back on track.