If your AC seems to run forever during a Savannah summer, you're not imagining it. Between the heat and the humidity rolling in off the coast, our systems work harder than almost anywhere else in Georgia.
The problem isn't always your unit itself. Often it's the combo of what you're asking it to do and what it's capable of handling.
Humidity Is the Real Enemy
In downtown Savannah or over in Garden City near the port, summer humidity regularly hits 80 to 90 percent. Your AC has to pull moisture out of the air before it can cool it down.
That means it runs longer cycles. Much longer. If your system is barely keeping up on a 95-degree July afternoon, that's usually why.
Older homes in the Historic District or Ardsley Park weren't built with central air in mind. Poor insulation and drafty windows make your AC fight even harder.
Check Your SEER Rating
SEER measures efficiency. If your unit is 10 or 12 SEER, it's dated by today's standards.
Modern units run 16 SEER or higher. They pull humidity out faster and use less power doing it. For coastal Georgia, that efficiency gap matters more than in dryer climates.
We install Rheem units rated 16 to 18 SEER for most Chatham County homes. The upfront cost is higher, but the comfort difference is immediate.
Duct Leaks Are Common in Older Homes
If your ducts run through an attic or crawlspace, leaks can waste 20 to 30 percent of your cooled air. That means your system runs constantly just to keep up.
We see this all the time in homes built in the 70s and 80s around Pooler and Port Wentworth. The ductwork was never sealed properly, and decades of settling opened gaps.
A duct inspection and sealing job isn't glamorous, but it'll cut runtime and lower your power bill fast.
Thermostat Placement Matters
If your thermostat sits near a window, in direct sun, or close to the kitchen, it's reading the wrong temperature. Your AC will run nonstop trying to cool a hot spot that doesn't represent the whole house.
We've moved thermostats to interior hallways in dozens of homes. Simple fix, big difference.
What You Can Do
Start with the basics. Change your filter every month during summer. Clean your outdoor unit. Make sure vents aren't blocked.
If that doesn't help, call us for a system tune-up. We'll check refrigerant levels, inspect ductwork, and test airflow.
Sometimes the answer is a new unit. Sometimes it's a $200 repair. Either way, you deserve to know what's actually going on before you spend money.
We serve Garden City, Savannah, and all of Chatham County. Call us at (912) 921-9936 if your AC is running nonstop and you want straight answers.