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Even if you have a top air conditioner, you should know how to make your AC feel cooler. Standard air conditioner maintenance is critical for ensuring adequate airflow and controlling your indoor temperature, especially during the summer heat. If your AC unit is getting too hot, there are a few things to check. First, ensure the dirty filter is clean and not blocked, as this can cause overheating. Next, check the capacitors, which help the AC start, to see if they’re working properly. The fan motor is important for cooling, so if it’s not running right, it will cause the AC to overheat. Also, check the electrical connections to make sure they’re secure. Remember to keep up with regular maintenance to prevent overheating and keep your house cool.
Don’t fret if your air conditioning unit releases hot air from your air ducts. You shouldn’t need to schedule expensive repairs to fix this common issue in most cases. Whether you have a window unit or central air conditioning, we can show you what to do when the air conditioner gets too hot. You can likely fix your issue by cleaning or replacing your filters, cleaning condenser coils, cleaning fan blades, and checking the coolant level.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The hot summer months can be miserable if your air conditioning system isn’t cooling. Luckily, you can likely fix your cold airflow issue with essential preventative maintenance. Performing basic tasks like replacing a dirty air filter or cleaning dirty coils should prevent issues like a frozen window unit or mold in your AC system.
Insider Tip
Before shelling out for professional air conditioner repair, try replacing your air filters and cleaning your condenser coil.
A dirty or worn air filter will restrict the airflow of your air conditioning system. Over time dirt, dust, pollen, and hair become lodged in the air filter, blocking the airflow of the AC unit. Your AC will work overtime to compensate, leading to an overheating air conditioner.
The outdoor unit contains the condenser coil in a central air system, which is critical for exchanging heat with the indoor unit. The condenser coil can become clogged with dirt and debris without regular cleanings, and this will cause your air conditioner to overheat and push out hot air.
Warning
You can suffer electrical injuries if you clean your condenser or evaporator coil without powering off the AC unit.
Your air conditioning fans collect dust and dirt over time and need to be cleaned to maintain efficient operation. If allowed to become caked in dust, your fans cannot adequately pass cool air along with the system.
Low refrigerant levels will cause your AC unit to run continuously while it tries to cool your home. Without this liquid chemical, your AC cannot cool the air before entering your home. If you suspect that you have a refrigerant leak, you need to contact a certified HVAC professional.
STAT: According to US Energy Information Administration (EIA) polling, central air conditioning systems saw a 12% increase from 2001 to 2020. (source)
Consider reading our guide on troubleshooting central air conditioner problems for tips beyond regular maintenance.
F.A.Q.S
How does humidity affect your AC equipment?
A humid environment negatively affects your AC system’s cooling efficiency due to the warm air. Your air conditioner will work harder to overcome the heat, resulting in higher energy costs and strain on the hardware.
What is air balancing?
Air balancing is a testing method for your heating and air conditioning unit to detect airflow issues and negative air pressure. If you notice any problems during the air balancing process, you can correct the issue and ensure that each room gets adequate airflow, resulting in a more energy-efficient system.
Why is my air conditioner running constantly?
The most common cause of a constantly running AC system is restricted airflow. Since your system cannot efficiently cool your indoor air temperature, it will run longer to compensate. You should immediately investigate the cause of your airflow issue because an always-running air conditioner will hike your energy bills.
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