Common Causes of Air Conditioner Stress During the Summer

Air conditioning systems usually operate at full capacity during the summer season, which makes them more vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns. In today’s post, local HVAC company Kemnitz Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. discusses the common causes of air conditioner stress and what you can do about it.

Causes of Air Conditioner Stress

“Stress” on an air conditioning system is caused by one or more factors that can hinder its efficiency, shorten its lifespan and raise your utility costs. The following are some of the most common causes of air conditioner stress:

Dust and dirt — Dust and dirt can infiltrate the exterior parts of your air conditioner and put mechanical stress on its moving parts. They can also block heat and airflow from the outdoor unit. This is one of the most common reasons for air conditioning and heating repair service calls.

Overheating electrical components — High ambient heat from the outdoors can cause problems like reducing the capacitors’ capability to hold an electric charge, which can result in difficult start/stop cycles for the air conditioner or even complete motor failure.

Tightness in the compressor — Parts expanding due to heat, combined with obstructions caused by dirt and dust, can cause tightness in the moving parts of a compressor. This increase in friction can lead to the motor burning out.

Tips That Can Help Reduce Air Conditioner Stress

Air conditioning systems usually operate at full capacity during the summer season, which makes them more vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns. In today’s post, local HVAC company Kemnitz Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. discusses the common causes of air conditioner stress and what you can do about it.

Reduce your home’s cooling requirements — Lower indoor cooling requirements equal lower required output from your air conditioner. For a quick fix, install window treatments that prevent direct sunlight from getting into your home. Long-term improvements include improving the wall and attic insulation, investing in ENERGY STAR®-certified windows and roofing and planting shade trees in the yard.

Use a programmable thermostat — If your home is unoccupied at certain times of the day, a programmable thermostat can automatically turn up the temperature when the house isn’t occupied, then turn it back down when you return home.

Cook on your outdoor grill more often — Summer is a great time to show (or hone) your grilling skills. Another benefit of a backyard barbecue is that it helps reduce heat from the kitchen, which can accumulate indoors and raise your home’s temperature.

Call Kemnitz for Your Air Conditioning & Heating Needs

Kemnitz Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. is your leading provider of HVAC services, including Carrier heater repair. Give us a call at (949) 569-5518. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Irvine and the surrounding communities.


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