Do you have any concerns about your air conditioning system? Call the Air Support Heating and Cooling team in Shelbyville, KY, today.
Summer in Shelbyville, KY, isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s hot and dry, with temperatures getting close to the triple digits on some afternoons. In those conditions, most people in the area depend on their air conditioners to stay comfortable.
With the air conditioner working so hard to keep you cool under the blazing heat of the sun, you may be wondering if it can break down. Can an air conditioner overheat while in use? As the leading provider of premium HVAC services in Shelbyville, KY, we get this question a lot here at Air Support Heating and Cooling. Read on to see all the details.
Summer Temperature in Shelbyville, KY, and Your Air Conditioner: What You Need To Know
Modern air conditioners are powerful, robust pieces of equipment designed to withstand years of use in diverse conditions. Therefore, your air conditioner should have no problems keeping your home cool even in 100-degree weather.
But can the temperature cause your air conditioner to overheat? Technically, no. An air conditioner in excellent shape should work perfectly through the heat. When air conditioners overheat, it’s usually due to other underlying causes.
The Top Causes of AC Overheating
Your air conditioner is likely to overheat if it has the following.
A Dirty Compressor
The compressor plays an integral role in circulating refrigerant through the condenser and evaporator coils. However, the compressor can’t do its job well enough if it has dirt, dust, and debris around it.
A dirty compressor (or one surrounded by shrubbery or refuse) will work harder to deliver the cooler temperatures you want. This can lead to overheating.
Clogged Air Filters
Can an air conditioner overheat due to clogged filters? Yes!
The air filter in your air conditioner helps trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. They play a huge role in maintaining your indoor air quality.
Over time, the filters will become clogged. If you don’t clean or replace them, your AC will struggle to circulate air. Therefore, it will run far longer cycles than it should, causing overheating and complete system breakdown.
Malfunctioning Relay Switch
The relay switch controls the flow of electricity to the compressor and fan. It can malfunction for a number of reasons, including power surges. In that scenario, it can cause the compressor and fan to run continuously instead of cycles. This may result in overheating.
Depending on the extent of the damage to the relay switch, you may come back to find your air conditioner not working at all.
Low Coolant Levels
One of the most important components in your air conditioner is one you can’t see: the refrigerant. It runs back and forth from the evaporator to the condenser coils, changing from gas to liquid and vice versa to absorb heat from your indoor space.
If a leak in the system causes a drop in the refrigerant levels, you’ll notice a drop in your air conditioner’s cooling performance. The AC will try to compensate for not having enough refrigerant by running longer cycles, causing the unit to overheat.
How To Keep Your AC From Overheating
How can you keep your air conditioner from overheating? Will installing some shade over it help? Can an air conditioner overheat when it’s not under direct sunlight?
Making sure your air conditioner’s outdoor unit isn’t under direct sunlight is a good idea. However, it won’t do much to prevent overheating if your air conditioner has any of the problems we’ve looked at above.
The surest way to keep your AC from overheating is to follow a regular maintenance schedule. Lack of maintenance is why people end up with an air conditioning unit running on fumes.
An experienced maintenance crew can spot dirty components, refrigerant leaks, worn-out parts, and even electrical issues. Addressing these issues will keep your air conditioner working optimally through the summer heat.
Get Professional Air Conditioning Services From Your Local Pros in Shelbyville, KY
Can an air conditioner overheat when you’re using it during the hottest days of summer here? Yes. And it could be bad news for core components like the compressor. You can avoid premature AC compressor replacement by taking steps to ensure your AC has a clean bill of health before the summer months arrive.
Thankfully, you don’t have to work on your air conditioner by yourself! Call the Air Support Heating and Cooling team in Shelbyville, KY, today to discuss comprehensive AC maintenance. Learn more now.
Author BIO:
Zach Jones
Owner of Air Support Heating and Cooling, an HVAC provider in Louisville, Kentucky. Jones has a background as a sales consultant in the financial services industry.