Kent is cold almost all year, save for a few months when you break out the air conditioning units. Once July hits, summer months can feel oppressive even in the Pacific Northwest. If you find yourself asking the question, “Can AC units overheat?” then allow DEAR Services, AC repair experts in Kent, WA, to provide an answer. Using your air conditioner unit can help cool your home, but overheating can be a real danger if you use your system too much.
Can AC Units Overheat?
The short answer is yes, AC units can overheat. Heat generation within an air conditioner unit depends on a few factors, one of them being the temperature in your room. If you’re trying to get your mobile air conditioner unit in Kent to battle the summer weather alone, it may need to work in a warm room until things cool. While air conditioners are meant to cool down hot rooms, AC unit overheating is a problem that can happen if you work your system too hard or too often.
Causes of Overheating in Air Conditioner Units
Can AC units overheat? Yes, if they have overwhelming insulation and external heat. More often than not, a combination of issues can lead to overheating, with more than one symptom present at a time. Several issues may lead to overheating, including the following.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are responsible for refrigerant flow and function. If these coils are dirty, they can’t function properly and only serve to build up heat. Living in Kent means that your air conditioner may go unused for a few months; you may only use it for the hottest parts of the year, from July to September.
If you want to use your air conditioner properly in your Kent home, the best thing to do is to administer a cleaning schedule. After not using it for the winter season, be sure to consult a professional for a good maintenance check so that you can welcome the summer months with equipment that works.
Low Refrigerant
Another cause for overheating air conditioner units is low refrigerant. Your refrigerant moves from the condenser coil to the evaporator coil; without all three of those portions of your unit working, you’ll have a hot interior. Refrigerant exists within a closed system, meaning that if you must replenish it, you likely have a leak to address somewhere in your system.
Can AC units overheat? Yes, especially if you’re dealing with a problem like a refrigerant leak. You can replenish your refrigerant by calling a professional HVAC contractor. These experts can find and fix a leak, then top up your refrigerant levels to help keep your air conditioner functioning properly.
Dusty Air Filters
Can AC units overheat due to problems within the unit itself? Yes, they can — sometimes for seemingly simple reasons. One notable problem that can lead to your air conditioner getting way too warm is a lack of air filter maintenance. Your air filter is one of the most critical parts of your air conditioner unit, helping keep your air clean as it blows cold air into your hot room.
If you have a wall of dust and dirt instead of a functioning air filter, not only will you experience lower air quality, but heat blockages too. A dirty air filter will do nothing for your air conditioner except provide a wall of dirty insulation to trap heat and encourage short cycling. Be sure to clean your air filter every three months to ensure that everything works together and keeps your Kent house cool.
Consider Working With DEAR Services
Unfortunately, an AC unit may overheat for several reasons. Poor maintenance, extreme temperatures, and refrigerant leaks, among other things, can lead to potential problems with the system. Working with a professional and planning ahead, however, can help you avoid potential disasters and stay cool.
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Can AC units overheat?” why not answer all of your other air conditioner questions with DEAR Services? We provide excellent HVAC repair and replacement services in Kent, Washington, and other surrounding areas. If you’re interested in getting some work done, consider the services we offer:
- Heating replacement
- Heating repair
- Air filter cleaning
- Air conditioner maintenance
- Air conditioner replacement
Are you wondering about things like, “How long should your AC run?” and other common air condition questions? If DEAR Services sounds like the place for you, reach out to us at 206-735-7604.