A working air conditioner is a beautiful thing during summer. However, that joy can quickly turn to panic if the appliance starts malfunctioning, especially if the temperatures are steadily rising outside. An AC overheating is a problem that could easily compromise your comfort. Knowing more about this situation can allow you to act promptly to restore the chill factor in your home sooner rather than later.
What Are the Signs of an Overheating AC?
Blowing warm air, making odd noises, reduced airflow, and a burning odor are a few signs that your AC may be overheating. This is particularly the case if it occurs repeatedly rather than being a one-time event. You may even notice that your utility bills are increasing even if you haven’t changed your usage.
Why Is My AC so Hot?
Your AC may be running hot for several reasons, but one common issue is a clogged filter, which can also lead to dirty condenser coils. Being low on refrigerant could be another cause. You should also check around your outdoor unit. If there are plants, greenery, tablecloths, or other obstructions blocking it, your AC may run inefficiently and overheat.
Can I Fix the AC Myself?
We strongly advise against trying to repair the air conditioner yourself. It has numerous dangerous components, including sharp parts and electrical wiring, that could injure you (or worse). It’s better to call our professionals to assess the situation and diagnose the issue.
However, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem without attempting an extensive repair. One of the first tasks you can do is replace your air filter. You should replace it every few months (at a minimum), but it’s ideal to do so monthly, especially if you have pets living in the home. If it’s been a while since you swapped it out, try it and see if that resolves your issue.
You should also clear away any of the obstructions blocking the outdoor unit. Leave at least a few feet of clearance around all sides and the top to allow the air to flow freely without disruption.
Avoid doing anything else beyond that. It’s safer to unplug it, and call us for AC repair services.
What Are the Risks of Continuing to Run an Overheating AC?
It depends on the severity of the damage. Continuing to run it, at the very least, could cause your utility bills to skyrocket beyond their norm. On the other end of the spectrum, the unit can catch on fire, which could spread to your home and put you and other residents at risk.
Trying to run your AC when there’s an obvious issue will only worsen the problem it’s experiencing. For instance, a minor repair can quickly escalate, which could require spending more money to fix it. Additionally, what may have been a simple repair could become a complete unit breakdown, resulting in you having to replace it rather than fixing it.
It’s better to leave your AC off and unplugged until our professionals can do a proper inspection. In the meantime, if it’s too hot to be without a working air conditioner, consider alternative options, such as running ceiling fans or using a window unit.
Can a Professional Perform an Air Conditioner Overheating Fix?
It’s possible that our HVAC technicians can fix your overheating air conditioner. However, it’s not something we can guarantee. It depends on several factors, including the age of your system and the severity of the problem. Sometimes, the issues are beyond repair for even the most skilled technicians, and the system requires a complete replacement.
How Soon Can I Get an Appointment?
We understand that you want your overheating AC inspected and back to functioning correctly as soon as possible. Call our family-owned and -operated company as soon as you realize there’s a problem with your appliance. You can also schedule an appointment at your convenience, day or night, through our website. This can help you secure a spot for the next available time slot.
Don’t let your overheating air conditioner cause your home to reach uncomfortable temperatures. P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling in Solon, OH, offers comprehensive AC repairs or, if necessary, a unit replacement. Schedule an appointment today with one of our expert HVAC technicians.
