How To Prevent AC Unit Overheating?

Air conditioners are the most coveted asset of a Northern California household during summers. Unfortunately, an air conditioner can overheat and become damaged if you are not careful. These are a few steps that can be helpful in preventing an AC unit from overheating.

Don’t Overuse the AC

You should always use the AC in moderation. It’s nice to feel a cool breeze blowing from the vents. Based on this, overusing an air conditioner can lead to overheating. It’s a good idea to not use the air conditioner if it is not too hot outside. You can use other ways of cooling your home, such as turning on a fan or opening windows. Further, don’t leave your AC running if you have stepped out for the day.

Use the AC on Low Settings

You may want to keep the temperature down when it is hot outside. Moreover, you should think twice before pushing your AC for hours on hot days. It’s always better to start with a lower setting. This will also help you conserve energy. Lower the temperature as the day gets warmer but increase it again when it starts to get cooler outside. You should also play around with other factors, such as setting the gust strength and the angles of the blade.

Install in a Spacious Location

You should give your air conditioner space to cool off. You should never install it adjacent to two walls. Air conditioners can get extremely hot and need to let off steam. If an AC is cornered on many sides, it won't have the space to release hot air. The unit will end up overheating if it keeps getting warmer. You should position the air conditioner with at least a foot of space on either side.

Clean the Blades

The blades of an air conditioner are responsible for directing cool air in a room. If the blades get covered with dust, the entire device will be prone to overheating. The system won't be able to recirculate air properly, which may cause the entire unit to get hotter. More force will be required to push the air outwards, which will eventually lead to overheating.

Change or Clean the Air Filter

The air filter is responsible for filtering the air that gets inside an AC. It ensures that the AC is not breathing in dust that can cause it to choke. Air filters accumulate dust over a period of time. If the filters are saturated, the AC needs to use more power to draw in air. It has to work overtime to achieve average functionality.

Overheating is going to occur sooner or later if the system consumes too much energy. You should change the air filter for a new one as soon as it gets clogged with dust. This will not only increase the life of your unit but will also be good for your health.

Keep It in Shade

The outdoor unit should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Your AC unit will be at a higher risk of overheating if it has to endure the sun’s rays. You should provide shade to the unit using a tarp or an umbrella. In fact, you should think of moving the entire unit under shelter for guaranteeing that no sunlight gets through.