Beavercreek’s winters may be frigid, but come summer, residents scramble to start their air conditioners. On a sultry summer day, your air conditioner might suddenly stop working and refuse to turn on again. As you start sweating, you might find yourself wondering, “Can an AC unit overheat, too?”
This is a distinct possibility, and overheating is a big problem for any electrical appliance with moving parts and flammable contents. Discover the top causes of overheating HVAC units below. You can also call us for AC services in Beavercreek, OH!
The Top Reasons Beavercreek Homeowners Find Their Air Conditioners Overheating
Can an AC unit overheat? Yes, air conditioning units can overheat and shut down.
Typically, this happens when your air conditioner works too hard. The safety mechanisms sense that the machine needs to turn off for a while to cool down and protect important components like the compressor. Here are the most common reasons cooling systems overheat and how to fix them.
A Dirty Air Filter
All air conditioners have an air filter that’s designed to trap dust and debris before it enters the system. Your filter can’t hold an endless amount of filth, and clogged filters won’t allow enough airflow through the system, which can cause it to overheat.
Take a look at the filter. If it’s gray or black, it’s time to replace it. You’ll want to replace the filter every 30 to 90 days in Beavercreek.
Blocked Airflow in the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit contains a compressor pump that’s responsible for moving refrigerant throughout the system. Outdoor cooling units are magnets for debris like leaves, dirt, and weeds. Anything stuck inside the unit can cause the compressor pump to work overtime and eventually overheat.
To prevent an overworked compressor, regularly remove the debris surrounding the outdoor unit. You can even use a garden hose to knock off any dried mud stuck on the unit. Turn off the power when you spray it off.
A Thermostat Malfunction
If it’s clean and well-ventilated, can an AC unit overheat? Yes, another issue to look out for is a faulty thermostat.
A thermostat that’s misreading temperatures might tell the air conditioner to run nonstop, even after it’s reached your desired temperature. If your unit can’t take a break, it’ll overheat. Our HVAC technician in Beavercreek will first try calibration and then consider a thermostat replacement.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Your air conditioner contains condenser coils that are responsible for absorbing and dissipating heat. Over time, the coils become caked with dust, which inhibits heat exchange and results in your unit overheating.
Regular HVAC maintenance can prevent this issue. The technician will inspect your unit’s coils and clean them off. Don’t try to clean the air conditioner coils yourself, as these delicate components are very easy to damage.
Refrigerant Leak
All air conditioning systems can develop a refrigerant leak, whether they use old R22 refrigerants or one of the newer, eco-friendly types. When cracks form in the lines, this refrigerant spills out, and your system has to work harder to cool your Beavercreek home.
Can an AC unit overheat when this happens? Yes, if you ignore a refrigerant problem for long enough, the unit will likely overheat. The only way to stop the problem is to have a technician repair the leak and add more refrigerant.
Do not attempt to fix low refrigerant levels yourself. Coolant risks your health and causes environmental damage when improperly handled.
Electrical Component Failure
Your air conditioner is an intricate system containing wiring and components that work in tandem to cool your home. The older your unit is, the more likely its components will be to develop a major issue – and overheat.
If your system is having electrical problems and it’s on the older side, you may consider replacing it with a new model. It’s less expensive in the long run than paying for multiple repairs as your current unit deteriorates.
Can an AC Unit Overheat? Call Our HVAC Experts in Beavercreek, Ohio, To Protect Your Comfort
Given our hot summers here in Beavercreek, it won’t take long for your home to become uncomfortable if the air conditioner quits working. Whether your system is overheating due to a refrigerant leak or dirty coils, you can count on Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to come to your rescue right away.
Can an AC unit overheat if it’s well-maintained? It’s far less likely, so why not give us a call and schedule HVAC service in Beavercreek, Ohio? You can also check out our handy guide to debunking AC myths.