Why your air conditioner isn’t working on hot days

It's hot outside, and your air conditioner isn't working. You try turning it off and on again but to no avail. What do you do? In this blog post, we will discuss the most common reasons why your air conditioner might not be working properly during hot days. We will also provide some tips on how to fix the issue!

Urban Heat Island Effect

Apartments aren’t designed using passive design codes to withstand heatwave conditions. When the mercury soars each summer, we turn to air conditioners to keep us comfortable. Air conditioners break down if they are overheating. They can withstand temperatures of up to 48 degrees.

However, block sizes are getting smaller and homes are built so close that air conditioners have little space to operate efficiently. New houses and developments are constructed in a way that they sit on top of one another; it's like living right against an oven!

The Urban Heat Island Effect occurs when urban areas replace vegetation cover with buildings, roads, and other concrete structures that retain heat. There is a shortage of trees and parks and the heat doesn’t get a chance to dissipate. It puts immense pressure on aircon units affecting their running costs and their lifespan.

The problem of small land blocks is getting worse as the years go by. Building standards need to be improved in order for this issue to not get out of control, according to Alan March, Urban Planning professor at the University of Melbourne's School Of Built Environment.

Other Reasons Why Your Aircon Isn't Performing well

There are other reasons why your air conditioner might not be working properly.

Dirty Filters

One possibility is that the air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If you think that the air filter might be the problem, the first thing you should do is check and see if it needs to be replaced. Most air filters need to be replaced every three months or so. If it has been longer than that since you last replaced your air filter, then chances are that this is the problem. To replace the air filter, simply locate it and remove it. Then, insert a new air filter into the unit.

Refrigerant Leaks

Leaking refrigerant can affect the airflow and cause the evaporator coils to freeze up.

If you think that the coils might be frozen, there are a few things you can do to thaw them out. One option is to turn off the air conditioner for a few hours and let it thaw out on its own. However, if you hear weird sounds coming from your unit, contact an aircon technician immediately. You may have a refrigerant leak and it could not just affect your aircon but also your health and the environment.

Electrical Issues

Your unit may be running but not cooling your home. It could be due to an electrical issue affecting the thermostat or the connection to the outdoor unit being impacted. It could also be because of low levels of refrigerant gas to cool the space.

Age of the Air Conditioning Unit

Another reason for consistent breakdowns could be that your unit is simply too old and needs to be replaced. If your air conditioner is older than 10-12 years, then it might be time for a replacement. Air conditioners typically last for about 15 years. If yours is older than that, it might be time for an upgrade.

How to Take Care of Your Air Conditioner?

Electrical appliances are prone to issues and your aircon is not barred from them. While issues can crop up anytime, there are some things you can do to keep your aircon in great shape:

Change your air filter regularly
Schedule maintenance for your aircon in spring so it is ready for summer and in winter so it is ready for winter (if you have a reverse-cycle split system)
Keep the outdoor component clean and away from plants and any object that may obstruct airflow
Check the wiring for wear and tear and overheating. If there's any issue, contact an electrician immediately.

We hope this post has helped you troubleshoot the problem with your air conditioner! Remember, if all else fails, you can always contact a professional for help. If you need aircon repairs or servicing in Melbourne, give us a call at 1300 016 671 or complete our quick online aircon service request form. We would be happy to help.

References

https://www.domain.com.au/news/how-air-conditioning-units-fail-to-work-on-hot-days-in-outer-suburbs-1019865/