Why Is My AC Overheating? Does It Need a Repair?

If the air conditioner in your Sarasota, FL, home keeps overheating and turning off, it’s telling you something. Multiple issues can cause an AC system to overheat. Here are some of the most common causes of AC system overheating:

Dirty Air Filter

By far, the most common cause of an overheating AC system is a dirty air filter. A dirty filter obstructs airflow through the air conditioner, forcing its blower fan to work harder than it should. That can lead to overheating, causing your AC system to shut down.

To avoid this issue, you must remember to change your AC filter every 30 to 90 days. Use a replacement filter with the same dimensions and MERV rating. Don’t purchase a filter with a higher MERV rating because it may also cause airflow problems.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

If you don’t have your AC system serviced every year, its evaporator coil could get dirty enough to cause overheating. It happens because your AC system’s air filter is only partially effective at capturing dirt from the air. The rest bypasses the filter and gets deposited on the evaporator coil.

Schedule regular AC maintenance to keep the coils clean. Our service technician will clean your evaporator coil as part of your annual AC tuneup. That should prevent coil obstruction and support efficient cooling operation.

Refrigerant Leak

Paradoxically, a refrigerant leak will cause your air conditioner to run at an abnormally low temperature. That, in turn, can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, which can block airflow and cause your AC system to overheat. A loss of refrigerant can also damage your AC system’s compressor, causing it to overheat.

If your AC system in Sarasota, FL, keeps overheating, it’s essential to have it professionally serviced immediately. Contact All American Heating & Cooling today for an AC repair appointment.

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