Is Your Air Conditioner Ready to Collapse?

How Extreme Texas Heat Wears Down Your Air Conditioner And the Top AC Repair Issues to Watch For

The extreme temperatures and humidity of Katy, Texas summers have a serious effect on residential air conditioning systems. After all, the cooling season in Texas can last 7 to 9 months. While the national average run time for air conditioners is about 1,200 hours, the run time in this area ranges between 2,800 and 3,400 hours. That means the normal useful life for AC systems of 15 to 20 years can be reduced to 10 to 15 years. Unfortunately, it also means that AC repairs might come sooner than expected. Here are some common AC repair issues you might expect after such a long, hot summer.

7 Common Signs You Need AC Repair

1. Attic Heat. Since space is often limited in homes, much of the air conditioning equipment is installed in the attic. On extremely hot days, attic temperatures can reach 140°F to 150°F. The air handler, evaporator coil, and ductwork exposed to such heat can degrade faster than those installed in milder spaces.
2. High humidity. A secondary benefit of cooling indoor spaces is the removal of humidity. When warm, moist air is blown across the cool evaporator coil, the moisture condenses and drains away. Since local summer humidity exceeds 90% in Katy, air conditioning can remove more than 10 gallons of water daily. But there is a major problem that can develop in the dehumidification function: algae sludge. When a space is constantly wet, dark, and cool, it remains an ideal environment for the growth of algae, mold, and mildew. If left unattended, this combination can create a plug in the drain line, letting water leak into the home. This can result in water damage to ceilings, walls, and flooring, depending on where the equipment is installed.
3. Heat damaged electronics. Long, frequent cooling cycles during periods of high heat and humidity can place additional stress on electrical components. When sensitive electronics are housed outside, they bake during heatwave temperatures, leading to the frequent failure of capacitors and welded contactors. Because these electrical components help the system start and operate, their failure can prevent the air conditioner from cooling properly.
4. Dirty condenser. The outside component of an air conditioner is called a condenser unit. Its purpose is to cool the refrigerant and release the heat into the atmosphere. A central fan pulls air through the tubes and fins that compose the sides of the unit. Dust, pollen, and lawn debris tend to collect on the condenser, acting as an insulator and keeping the heat inside the tubes. When unattended, the compressor overheats, which is a catastrophic failure. The cost of repair comes close to the cost of replacement, so this is a major AC repair.
5. Refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a heat transfer medium, moving heat from inside the house to the outside. This gas is constantly under pressure and constantly moving during a cooling cycle, so the smallest flaw will let the refrigerant escape and leak into the atmosphere. When refrigerant levels drop, ice often develops on the normally closed system, usually on the condenser coil or around the evaporator coil. With no refrigerant, the cooling function is lost, so finding a leak early is extremely important.
6. Uneven cooling. When an air conditioner system begins to weaken, the resulting loss of cooling function might manifest by creating “hot spots,” rooms that receive insufficient cooling to keep it comfortable. A subtle rise in temperature increases until it becomes noticeable, calling for immediate AC repair.
7. Extended Run Time. Since the increased running time from longer and hotter summers in our region reduces the useful lifespan of an AC system, it is very important to know the age of your current system. This information can be determined from the information on the model/serial number plate on the condenser unit. The manufacturer’s website reveals the manufacture date and gives an estimate of the installation year. Use this information to determine whether to make AC repairs or plan a replacement.

End of Summer AC Repair: Don’t Let Texas Heat Beat Your Cooling System

The scorching heat and extreme humidity in Katy, Texas can quickly push a struggling air conditioner past its limits. Ignoring early warning signs like uneven cooling, frozen coils, or clogged drain lines can lead to costly water damage and severe compressor failure. Call All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 today to schedule your fast, reliable AC repair appointment and keep your home cool all season long.