When it's hot outside, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner, but local HVAC companies say extreme heat is putting systems to the test.

"I called for support because my thermostat was on 71, but was registering 75," Christy Elmore, who lives in Matthews, said. “Children don’t sleep well when it’s hot, right? So, it’s certainly been a challenge.”

She reached out to Acosta Heating & Cooling for help. The company is among those who say their phones have been ringing constantly with people concerned their air conditioners aren't cooling efficiently or are no longer working in this week's extreme temperatures.

"The warmer it is the more it stresses air conditioners and the more people we’ve got calling in," Lauren Acosta Huckleberry, President of Acosta Heating & Cooling, said. "Definitely make sure that the outdoor unit is clean. Definitely change those filters regularly.”

Lack of maintenance, leaking fluids, and clogged filters are just some of the issues an air conditioner could have.

Read more: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/ways-to-save-money-and-beat-heat-duke-energy/275-fc356a57-94e6-4b0b-83f4-3d73ebcd17d3

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