Do you ever find yourself standing in front of the thermostat scratching your head at the fact that your house temperature hasn’t dropped a single degree in hours, despite the constant rumbling of your A/C blasting air? Do you then feel a sharp panic when you suddenly catch a glimpse of a spooky Halloween decoration at a weird angle and worry, “what if my house is haunted?”

Unfortunately, the technicians at Brea/Orange County Plumbing, Heating, & Air aren’t much help when it comes to occult occurrences and supernatural phenomena, but we can fix your A/C. And while we can’t rule out the possibility of a ghostly infestation, we can say with absolute certainty that it’s totally normal for A/Cs to underperform during lengthy heat waves. That’s why we created this guide to help you keep your A/C working smoothly, even when October feels hotter than July.

Why Air Conditioners Struggle During Heat Waves

Below we outline some common problems that can cause your A/C to underperform or fail altogether during extreme heat and how to fix them:

1. Overheating Components

The Problem

Air conditioning systems are designed to release heat, but during a heatwave, key components like the compressor and condenser coil can struggle to do so efficiently. This can cause the system to overheat, potentially resulting in breakdowns or damage to the compressor.

The Solution

Dirty condenser and evaporator coils reduce the system’s ability to release heat properly. To improve your air conditioner’s performance, clean these coils at least once a year. 

2. Extended Cooling Cycles

The Problem

During a heatwave, your air conditioner may run for longer periods to keep your home cool, placing additional strain on the system and increasing the risk of malfunctions.

The Solution

Here are some easy ways to minimize cooling cycles:

• Ensure your home is well-insulated, and that any gaps around windows, doors, and other openings are sealed to prevent cold air from escaping.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air more effectively, allowing you to raise the thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
• Close curtains or blinds to keep sunlight out and reduce heat gain from the sun.

3. Increased Energy Usage

The Problem

During extreme heat, your A/C has to work even harder, leading to increased energy consumption. This not only puts additional stress on the power grid — sometimes even causing outages — but also results in longer cooling cycles and overheating parts, both of which decrease efficiency and drive up energy bills.

The Solution

Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioning system can help. Newer models are specifically designed to handle higher loads while using less energy, helping you save on both power and expenses.

4. Infrequent Maintenance

The Problem

Issues like clogged air filters, dirty coils, or refrigerant leaks can make it difficult for your air conditioner to perform well, especially when it’s pushed to its limits during a heatwave. These problems are exacerbated when your system is already operating under increased demand.

The Solution

Regular maintenance checks can help your system to better manage extreme conditions more effectively. While some tasks, like changing air filters and cleaning coils, can be handled yourself, more complex services — like checking refrigerant levels — should be completed by a professional HVAC technician.

For expert assistance, feel free to contact our Brea/Orange County Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning A/C specialists at (714) 459-5673.