Air conditioning units are an essential part of modern life, keeping our homes and offices cool during the hot summer months. However, when an AC unit overheats, it can cause serious issues and potential damage to the unit and the home. Understanding why an AC unit can overheat and how to prevent it from happening is important for keeping your AC unit running properly.
An AC unit can overheat for a variety of reasons, and here, our HVAC repair experts share five of them with you:
1. Poor Airflow
One of the most common reasons why an AC unit may overheat is due to poor airflow. This can happen when a filter is clogged or when the vents or ducts are blocked. When this happens, the air can’t flow properly, which can cause the coils to become too hot, leading to an overheated AC unit. To prevent this from happening, make sure to regularly clean and replace the air filter, and also check to ensure that your vents and ducts are not blocked.
2. Dirty Coils
The coils in an AC unit help to transfer heat from the air that’s being cooled. This process requires the coils to be clean, as dirt and debris can reduce the unit’s efficiency and cause the coils to overheat. This can lead to the AC unit itself overheating, as it can’t dissipate the heat it’s generating.
To prevent this issue, it’s important to regularly inspect your AC unit and clean the coils. This can be done by removing the outer casing of the unit and gently brushing away any dust, dirt, and debris from the coils. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt that’s deep in the coils.
It’s important to note that if the coils are too dirty, it might be best to call a professional. They’ll be able to clean the coils properly and make sure the AC unit is running at peak efficiency.
3. Low Refrigerant
One of the most common reasons for an AC unit to overheat is due to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a chemical that is used to cool the air inside the AC unit and is necessary for the proper functioning of the unit. If the refrigerant level is too low, the unit will not be able to cool the air efficiently, leading to an overheating issue.
In many cases, the refrigerant levels can be checked by a professional technician. If the levels are indeed low, they will be able to add more refrigerant to the unit and restore it to its proper functioning state. It is important to note that only trained and certified professionals should handle refrigerant as it can be dangerous if not handled properly.
4. Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can happen for a variety of reasons. One of the most common culprits is debris from outside that builds up in the condensation line. This can block the line and prevent the condensation from draining properly. Additionally, the drain can become clogged due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the line.
When the drain is clogged, the condensation can’t be removed properly, leading to an increase in humidity and pressure in the system. This can cause the AC unit to overheat and put undue strain on the system.
5. Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat is an important component of an AC system as it regulates the temperature of the air in the home. A faulty thermostat can cause the AC to run too much or too little, leading to an overheated system. The key to fixing this issue is to ensure that the thermostat is functioning properly. If the thermostat is not working properly, it should be replaced or repaired by a professional.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most common reasons why your AC unit might overheat. If you’re having issues with your AC unit overheating, it’s important to address the issue quickly to avoid further damage. If you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, it’s best to call an HVAC repair professional for help.
Paul’s Heating & Air, Inc. has been providing top-notch heating and cooling services for over 30 years in Gwinnett, Walton, and surrounding counties in Georgia. We are proud to be the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer in the area. Contact us for all your HVAC repair or maintenance needs!
