And What You Can Do About It
July in Maryland brings the kind of heat that makes you want to crank the thermostat down and park yourself in front of a fan. But what if your home still feels warm no matter how long the AC runs? You’re not alone—and your system might not be the problem. Many homeowners experience this frustrating cycle every summer and wonder why their AC never catches up in July. The truth is, a struggling AC is often a symptom of deeper issues hiding in your attic, ductwork, or airflow. Before you blame the unit, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s really going on behind the walls and above the ceiling.
Reason #1: Your Attic is Working Against You
If your attic isn’t properly insulated or ventilated, it’s acting like a giant heat trap sitting right on top of your home. Many Maryland homes still have insulation levels far below the recommended R49, especially if they were built before 2000. On hot July days, attic temperatures can soar past 130°F—radiating heat downward into your living spaces and making it nearly impossible for your AC to keep up. Poor ventilation only makes things worse, locking in heat and moisture. The fix? Upgrade your attic insulation and make sure your vents (eaves, ridge, or gable) are doing their job.
Reason #2: Ductwork Drama
Even the best AC system can’t do its job if the ductwork is working against it. In many homes, ducts run through blazing hot attics and aren’t properly sealed or insulated. That means cool air heats up before it ever reaches your rooms—or worse, escapes entirely through leaks. Poorly sized or disconnected ducts can also choke airflow, making it hard for your system to deliver consistent cooling. It’s a big reason why your AC never catches up in July. The solution? Have your ductwork professionally inspected, sealed, and insulated to keep conditioned air where it belongs.
Reason #3: Airflow & Return Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t with how your system cools—it’s with how air moves through your home. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder for weaker results. On top of that, if your return vents are blocked, undersized, or poorly placed, air can’t circulate efficiently through the system. This leads to uneven temperatures, reduced comfort, and rising energy bills. Keeping your filters clean and having a pro evaluate your return setup can make a big difference in how well your AC performs—especially during those peak July days.
Reason #4: Oversized Expectations (and Undersized Systems)
Your AC might be doing everything it can—but if it’s not the right size for your home or current insulation levels, it simply can’t keep up. Undersized systems will run constantly and still fall short, while oversized ones cycle too quickly and fail to properly dehumidify. Older units also tend to lose efficiency over time and may no longer be equipped to handle Maryland’s rising summer temps. If you’re wondering why your AC never catches up in July, this could be the culprit. The best move? Schedule a professional evaluation to determine if your system is properly sized and still up to the job.
Conclusion: Don’t Sweat It Alone
If you’ve been wondering why your AC never catches up in July, the answer might not lie in your unit—but in what’s surrounding it. From under-insulated attics and leaky ductwork to airflow restrictions and aging systems, your home could be quietly working against your comfort. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. A Home Energy Audit can pinpoint the real issues and help you take smart, effective steps—like upgrading insulation, sealing ducts, and improving airflow. Before Maryland’s hottest days hit, take control of your comfort.
Schedule your home energy audit today, contact us.