When heat waves settle into the Central Valley, many Turlock and Los Banos homeowners notice their air conditioner is running longer than normal. You may notice that your AC unit keeps your home comfortable during average summer weather. However, it struggles with multiple days in the upper 90s Fahrenheit and even triple-digit temperatures.
Extended periods of extreme heat can put a significant strain on your cooling system and exacerbate small problems. If your air conditioner suddenly isn’t keeping up, it doesn’t always mean that your system is malfunctioning. You should know what to check to ensure that your system is operating correctly. Also, knowing when to call for professional AC repair can help restore your home’s comfort.
Check Your Air Filter
When you first notice that your AC struggles during a heat wave, you’ll want to look at its air filter. Over time, debris can clog the fibers of your filter and restrict airflow. This can make your air conditioner work much harder to move cool air throughout your home, leading to longer run times.
During periods of extreme heat, even partially dirty filters can make a noticeable difference in your air conditioner not keeping up. Simply replacing the filter with a new one is one of the most affordable ways to improve airflow. It reduces unnecessary strain on your unit and boosts your comfort level.
Dirty Coils Could Be the Problem
As your Central Valley HVAC system operates, it moves refrigerant that absorbs heat from inside your home to the outdoors. That refrigerant travels through both the evaporator and condenser coils. When the coils are dirty, that added barrier can make it harder to transfer heat. Unfortunately, this could reduce the cooling performance of your system.
In some cases, it can even cause your evaporator coils to freeze up. As a homeowner, it’s important to remove any grass clippings or other debris from around your outdoor condenser unit. Getting routine maintenance for your Central Valley HVAC system will help keep your coils clean and effective. We do offer a maintenance program so that you never forget to service your unit.
You May Notice the Effects of Low Refrigerant
One reason that your air conditioner isn’t keeping up during a heat wave is that you have low refrigerant. While it may not be as noticeable during milder temperatures, low refrigerant can significantly reduce the cooling performance of your AC unit. Your air conditioning system doesn’t just consume refrigerant over time.
Rather, a leak must develop within one of your refrigerant lines or coils to allow the gas to escape. It’s important to call for professional AC repair in Los Banos if you suspect that you have a refrigerant problem. Only certified technicians can repair and recharge refrigerants for residential cooling systems.
Restricted Airflow Can Overwork Your System
Another key reason why your AC struggles during a heat wave is a restriction in airflow. Blocked supply vents, closed registers, failing blower motors, dirty evaporator coils, and even damaged ductwork can all reduce your comfort. All of these can restrict the amount of conditioned air that actually reaches your living space.
When outdoor temperatures climb high for several days, airflow restrictions become more noticeable. You will likely notice certain rooms become warmer even though your AC seems to be running nonstop. Getting professional AC repair in Turlock will help identify hidden airflow problems with your system.
Leaky Ductwork Can Waste Conditioned Air
If you have aging ductwork in your home, it’s likely that some of your conditioned air could be escaping in your attic, crawl space, or wall cavities. During a Central Valley heat wave, that loss of air becomes even more noticeable. Instead of delivering conditioned air into your living space, any damage in your ductwork will allow that cool air to leave and hot air to come in.
This reduces your comfort, increases energy consumption, and places additional strain on your AC unit. Sealing up any areas of damage in your ductwork can improve your cooling performance and reduce your utility costs.
Weak Capacitors Often Fail During Heat Waves
Capacitors are responsible for starting the bigger components inside your air conditioning system. While a weak capacitor may continue to function during moderate weather conditions, extreme heat can push it beyond its limitations. You may notice difficulty starting, humming noises, frequent cycling, or your outdoor unit struggling to turn on. Seeking out prompt cooling repair is key to restoring your comfort.
Older Equipment May Be to Blame
All air conditioning systems gradually lose their efficiency as they age. If your unit is over 10 years old, a few days of triple-digit heat can showcase its reduction in cooling efficiency. Getting a home performance test can help you identify if upgrading your equipment is necessary.
Schedule Professional AC Repair Today
If your AC unit is struggling during Central Valley heat waves, it’s important to take action. Seeking out help can assist you in determining the root cause of your issue.
Contact All American Plumbing Heating & Air Inc. to schedule expert AC repair in Los Banos and the surrounding Central Valley areas.
