How to Fix an Overheated Air Conditioner

As November temperatures in Arizona can still be uncomfortably high, your household must have an efficiently functioning air conditioner. After a sweltering summer, your AC may no longer be operating optimally.  When an air conditioner works too long or hard it can overheat. An overheated AC may trip the circuit breaker or cause a breakdown. The following is information on how to fix an overheated air conditioner so you can stay comfortable through the remaining hot weather. 

What Occurs When An Air Conditioner Overheats?

Air conditioners have vents that release excess heat. When an AC works too long or hard, the internal temperature rises. If your system doesn’t vent correctly, overheating occurs causing the circuit breaker to trip or resulting in an internal breakdown. Overheating can damage the compressor (pumps refrigerant to the coils), the capacitor (powers the components), or the fan motor (blows excess heat outdoors).

Why Is My Air Conditioner Overheating?

There are some common causes for overheating in an AC. 

• A clogged air filter: Dust, dirt, and dander can build up in your AC filter, restricting airflow and forcing your system to run too long and too hard. If your air conditioner is overheating, check if your filter needs to be changed. 
• Low coolant levels: Coolant is used to extract heat from your home. If the refrigerant lines on your unit are leaking, coolant levels will drop and the system will not remove heat fast enough. Warm air will blow through the vents reducing efficiency and causing overheating. If your AC overheats, check the coolant levels. 
• Dirty condenser/evaporator coils: Condenser coils are found in the outdoor component of your system. They transfer heat away from the main unit. If these coils are covered in dust or dirt, they will not transfer heat efficiently and your system will overheat. If your AC overheats, check your condenser coils. 
• Lack of maintenance: A poorly maintained system can cause problems. Professional maintenance of your air conditioner is a surefire way to avoid overheating! Once a year, contact an HVAC expert to have your system serviced and repaired. 

How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Is Overheating?

There are some common signs that an AC is overheating.

• A smokey, burning smell escaping the vents
• A rattling or buzzing noise in the body of the unit
• Scorching hot air surrounding the system
• The unit is no longer producing enough cold air
• Your electric bills spike
• Your circuit breaker frequently trips
  
  

Are you feeling uneasy about the condition of your HVAC system? Is your AC overheating? Contact McMillin Air to book an appointment for service and repair. Our licensed, insured technicians will assess your system and provide the help you need. We know how to fix an overheated air conditioner!