Is it just us, or did fall used to be cooler? Southern Californians have been blasting their A/Cs 24/7 for weeks as an unprecedentedly warm August gave way to a sweltering hot September, followed by an October with record-breaking triple-digit temperatures across the inland cities. This all begs the question — what happens to your air conditioner during a heat wave?
Well, a lot of things, really. Challenges like increased demand, overheating parts, and longer cooling cycles hamper your A/C’s ability to work well when you need it most :/
But don’t despair yet! We created this guide to keep your A/C running smoothly, so the next time your weatherman unhelpfully and enthusiastically announces that “It’s gonna be a scorcher!” You can kick back, relax and pray that none of your neighbor’s air conditioners break (because the last thing you need is for your living room to turn into a Chuck E Cheese).
Why A/Cs Break Down During Heat Waves
There are a number of problems that might cause your A/C to break, or at least not work its best. Here are the most common reasons why your A/C might malfunction during a heatwave and how to fix them.
1. Overheating Components
The Problem
Air conditioners are designed to dissipate heat, but during extreme heat, components like the compressor and condenser coil can struggle to release heat effectively. This can cause the unit to overheat, leading to shutdowns or damage to the compressor.
The Solution
Dirty condenser and evaporator coils reduce your A/C’s ability to dissipate heat. Cleaning these coils at least once a year, or more during heavy use, helps the system to run more efficiently.
2. Longer Cooling Cycles
The Problem
In a heat wave, air conditioners tend to run longer to maintain a set temperature — increasing wear and tear on the system.
The Solution
Here are three simple ways to shorten the cooling cycle:
- Ensure your home is well-insulated and that doors, windows, and other openings are sealed to prevent cool air from escaping.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout your home. more effectively and allows you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort.
- Block sunlight from entering your home by closing curtains and blinds to minimize solar heat gain.
3. Increased Demand
The Problem
During heat waves, air conditioners work overtime to keep indoor temperatures cool and comfortable. This leads to energy demand spikes, which can strain electrical grids and, in some cases, even cause power outages.
Increased demand also means longer cooling cycles and overheating parts. This not only hurts the efficiency of your unit, it can also be a pain in your wallet.
The Solution
Modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient than older models. If your A/C is more than a couple decades old, it may be time to consider upgrading.
4. Long Time Between Maintenance Checks
The Problem
Old air filters, dirty coils, and refrigerant leaks make it difficult for your A/C to handle increased demand during heat waves.
The Solution
Scheduled maintenance checks can prevent your A/C from malfunctioning and help catch small issues before they become big ones. And while some actions — like changing dirty filters and cleaning condenser coils — you may be able to do on your own, for tasks like checking and refilling refrigerant you’ll need professional assistance.
For professional assistance, call Pomona Valley Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning A/C experts at (909) 764-3214.