3 Common Reasons Your AC System is Overheating

Summer months in Fairfax, VA, can be brutally hot and humid. With the rising temperatures comes the increased possibility of your air conditioner overheating. Learn these three common reasons your AC system may be overheating so that you can repair the problem and keep cooling costs low:

AC Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioner cools your home by circulating a refrigerant through its coils. This refrigerant absorbs heat as it evaporates and releases it as it condenses. But this can’t happen if your system is low on refrigerant.

When there’s a leak, the refrigerant level in your AC system drops, and it can no longer effectively absorb heat. As a result, your AC system has to work harder to cool your home, which can cause it to overheat.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils play an important role in your AC system. They’re responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your home. But if they’re dirty, they won’t do their job properly.

Dirty evaporator coils can cause your system to overheat because they reduce the unit’s ability to absorb heat. As a result, your air conditioner has to work more to compensate, which can lead to damage and overheating.

Incorrectly Sized Air Conditioner

AC units come in different sizes to accommodate various homes. But if your unit is too small or too large for your home, it can cause problems.

A unit that is too small will have to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to overheating. On the other hand, a unit that’s too large won’t run long enough to properly dehumidify the air, which can also lead to overheating. Before you purchase an AC unit, be sure to have a professional assess your home to ensure you get the right size.

For more information or to schedule a tuneup, contact our team at Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning today. Our team of experts will be happy to help you keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long.

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