People who live in hot-weather locations know how important it is to have a running, operable AC unit, especially for the hot summer months. Since temperatures often climb to over 100 degrees, the thought of a broken air conditioning system can strike fear in the hearts of those living in the extreme heat. Thankfully, there are some reliable signs to look for when evaluating whether a unit can make it through the hottest days of summer. Take a look at the following to stay prepared:

1. The system is constantly running.

In most HVAC systems, the unit is triggered when the temperature in the home reaches a certain point. When the house is too warm, the unit will turn on and work to cool the rooms. Once a desired temperature is achieved, the …show more content…
Units that run constantly are generally not able to achieve the desired temperature. Less common, but still possible, is that the signal is not functioning properly, and it is cooling the home too much. In either case, a unit that does not power off periodically is in danger of breaking down from overuse.

2. Different rooms cool at different paces.

Unless you close a vent in a room, each room should cool down relatively quickly in relation to comparable rooms. Of course, variations exist due to proximity and location of rooms to heat sources, like an adjoining garage, as well as the size of the room. However, if you notice that certain areas are cooling less quickly than before, you may have an issue with your system.

3. It takes longer to cool the house.

It is normal for the house to take longer to cool if it is particularly hot. However, if you notice that your AC unit is running more often than not, you could be entering the danger zone for broken systems. When the house cools more slowly, refrigerant could be the culprit. Other reasons to consider include a slower running fan or a leak. Calling someone to take a look at the unit could be helpful in assessing whether you need to look for a