It may sound strange to think of an air conditioner over heating. However, it’s actually pretty common. If your air conditioner uses too much energy or gets overworked, it can trip the circuit breaker. If it does this too often, it can seriously damage the system. Here are some of the most common causes of an overheating AC and how to prevent them.

• A clogged filter. When the air filter gets clogged, it restricts airflow through the system. It then takes longer to cool your home. The system uses more energy and can end up overloading. The filter should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer of the filter to keep clean air flowing freely in your home.
• Dirty coils. As dirt and debris accumulate on your outdoor unit, it causes the system to run continually and overheat. Your heating and air professional will clean your system when your bi-annual maintenance tune ups are performed. Additionally, keep at least two square feet of clearance around your outdoor unit, getting rid of tall grass, twigs, branches, and anything else that might interfere with the system.
• Low refrigerant. If refrigerant is leaking from your system, it can’t cool effectively. Ergo it runs longer and overheats. The refrigerant levels are also checked with maintenance tune ups on your system, anytime you have issues between your maintenance visits, contact your HVAC professional.
• Mechanical problems. If the AC’s motor, wiring, or other internal parts break down or don’t function properly, it can cause your system to overheat. Your HVAC company will need to repair or replace them.

Jackson and Sons offers maintenance plans that are designed to keep your system working at top efficiency. During a tune up, the technician will check the filter and the refrigerant charge, clean the coils, repair any issues with internal components before they become big problems, and perform a variety of other maintenance tasks. Regular maintenance allows you to take precautions to avoid untimely breakdowns and keeps the system working for years to come.

For all your heating and cooling needs, contact us at Jackson & Sons. Eastern North Carolina trusts us for quality HVAC solutions.