Can an AC Unit Overheat?

It produces cool air, but can an AC unit overheat? As complex mechanical systems, air conditioners indeed can suffer problems caused by excessive heat, and they often do when Arizona desert temperatures rise.

As the industry leader in expert AC repair in Cave Creek, AZ, Veterans AC PHX shares the following discussion about AC overheating and how our HVAC system experts deal with this problem, which can quickly lead to air conditioner failure.

What Causes AC Overheating?

Air conditioning systems include several complex components that must work together to produce and circulate cool indoor air correctly. When any part of the system malfunctions, friction, and stress cause heat that leads to inefficiencies and excessive wear and tear, eventually leading to system failure. 

Here are the most common causes of HVAC system overheating we encounter.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

A clogged air filter blocks the airflow that every air conditioner needs to operate correctly. The extra work and strain cause overheating and can trigger a safety shutdown. Especially in our desert climate, you must change your system’s air filter at least every 30 to 90 days. 

Low Refrigerant Levels or Leaks

Can an AC unit overheat because of a tiny pinhole leak? Your cooling system uses pressurized chemical refrigerant to absorb indoor heat. If refrigerant levels fall because of a leak, the system must work overtime to extract heat. Excessive stress often leads to compressor overheating. 

Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils and Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit’s condenser coils release heat from the system. If those coils or the outdoor unit housing become covered in dust or debris, the insulating effect leads directly to overheating.  

Always ensure you keep at least two feet of clearance around all sides of your outdoor unit free of vegetation, walls, or debris. 

Faulty Electrical Components

Worn-out capacitors, loose wiring, or faulty connections can cause electrical overheating. In addition to harming system performance, these problems can pose a fire hazard. Regular inspections by your HVAC professional help identify and resolve these issues before they escalate.

Overworked Compressor Due to Extreme Heat

Our often extreme and long-lasting summer temperatures alone place significant stress on our cooling systems. If a system’s compressor runs without any breaks over a long time, it can overheat and shut down. 

Compressors are generally the most expensive components of modern cooling systems, so carefully monitoring your thermostat to give the system periodic breaks is critical.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Can an AC unit overheat because of a simple thermostat problem? Well, that can lead to continuous operation that increases the strain described above. If you notice your system is not cycling off as expected, check the thermostat settings. Your HVAC expert may need to recalibrate or replace a faulty thermostat.   

Warning Signs of an Overheating Air Conditioner

Recognizing the symptoms of cooling system problems caused by overheating can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major repair. Look out for these warning signs of overheating:

• Frequent system cycling without cooling properly 
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers 
• Weak or warm airflow 
• Unusual grinding, buzzing, or hissing sounds 
• Surging energy bills 

How To Prevent HVAC Overheating in Cave Creek, AZ

Can an AC unit overheat if you neglect regular maintenance? It certainly can, so take these steps to protect your investment and avoid AC unit malfunction:

• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance: Contact your HVAC system experts with Veterans AC PHX to schedule routine maintenance to maximize efficiency and reduce overheating risks.  
• Change air filters regularly: As mentioned above, replace dirty air filters regularly and consider advanced filtration systems to reduce exposure to high desert dust levels. 
• Keep vents and ducts clear: In addition to cleaning your outdoor unit, as discussed above, always ensure all indoor vents are open and stay unblocked by furniture, carpets, or other obstacles. 
• Adjust the Thermostat Wisely: Maintain a moderate indoor temperature between 75 and 78°F during summer to reduce system strain.