It is self-explanatory for your cooling system to become strained when it is overused.
There is no other time this happens more than in summer, then usually, people are seeking to make their spaces cooler & more comfortable; hence they may reduce the temperature setting beyond what the manufacturer may recommend, but consequently, this may take a toll on the heating & cooling system, causing it to overwork.
In the end, the machinery may experience excessive wear & tear, which eventually runs it down, forcing homeowners to replace the equipment by upgrading it. But there are other things you can also do to ensure your AC does not outrun itself, then you should also consider timely repairs. Once the a/c equipment shows signs of breaking down or troubles, have it fixed instantaneously. You are letting the issue compound can be negativeous since it interferes with efficiency; Also, consider natural cooling so that your Heating & Air Conditioning system can rest & rejuvenate. For instance, let the windows open & have fresh air come in in the late hours of the day when the sunshine has gone down. You should also invest in ceiling fans for the different rooms, saving you a lot of energy. These fans tend to cool you down rather than having to adjust the temperature on your thermostat all the time. Also, consider growing trees around the apartment to give natural shade & minimize the sun’s effects on the house. Also, make use of your curtains & blinds during the truly hot days. Sporadically you need to use the available resources to maximize utility bills..