6 Reasons Your House Feels Hotter Than It Should

If your house feels hotter than what the thermostat says, there’s usually a reason—and it’s not always your AC’s fault. I’ve had my fair share of hot, sticky afternoons wondering what was wrong, only to realize I’d overlooked something small but important. Cooling a house efficiently takes more than flipping a switch. It’s about airflow, insulation, and common sense fixes that get skipped way too often.

Poor Insulation (or None at All)

If the heat’s getting in faster than your AC can push it out, check your insulation.

Older homes and mobile setups are especially bad about this. Attics, crawl spaces, and walls need proper insulation or you’ll never get ahead of the heat—especially in the summer.

Bad Window Seals

It doesn’t take a wide gap to let in a ton of hot air.

If you feel any warm draft near closed windows, your seals are probably shot. Add weather stripping or replace the seals entirely. You’ll notice a difference within a day or two.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

When your filters are packed with dust, the airflow slows down—and the system works harder for less result.

It’s one of the easiest things to fix, but often gets forgotten. Swap them out monthly when it’s hot, and you’ll help your AC do its job.

Too Many Heat Sources Inside

If you’re cooking meals, running a dryer, or leaving lights on all day, you’re building heat without realizing it.

Try grilling outside, using the dryer at night, or switching to LED bulbs. Little adjustments make a big difference in how your house feels mid-afternoon.

Poor Ventilation in the Attic

Hot air rises—and if it gets trapped in your attic, it radiates back down into your living space.

Make sure your attic has enough ventilation. Ridge vents, gable vents, or a powered fan can help push that heat out before it gets into the rest of the house.

Wrong Curtains or No Window Coverings

Sunlight through glass turns a room into a greenhouse fast.

Use blackout curtains or heat-reflective shades during the hottest part of the day. You don’t have to keep the house dark all the time—just smart about when you let the sun in.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.