How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Air Conditioner’s Performance

You may have noticed that your air conditioner’s performance varies throughout the year. It acts up during certain times. Maybe it struggles during a heatwave or makes odd noises as fall approaches. Right?

That’s because seasonal changes directly influence AC’s performance. It might not be obvious at first, especially with so many common causes behind AC issues. It could be clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, dirty condenser coils, and lots more.

But you must understand that weather shifts impact your system to a large extent. Hiring a trusted AC repair service in Sacramento can fix most issues. But understanding how local weather affects your AC can help you stay ahead of costly breakdowns and sudden repairs.

How Different Seasons Affect Your AC?

Here we’ll explain the seasonal impacts that are responsible for your AC’s breakdown. Take  a look –

1. Summer Heat 

Summer in Sacramento is often challenging. When the temperature rises to 90°F or even higher, your air conditioner has to work overtime just to keep your home cool. Find out how extreme heat affects your AC’s efficiency and lifespan.

• Increased workload – Your AC runs longer and harder to maintain the desired temperature.

• Refrigerant issues – Hot weather can make the refrigerant pressure go too high, which can cause your AC to work poorly or even leak.

• Compressor overheating – Excessive heat can cause your compressor to overheat and shut down.
• Dirty filters and coils – Dust and debris accumulate quickly in summer, blocking airflow and making the system less efficient.

   

2. Fall 

You might prefer the fall season over summer because it offers relief from the intense summer heat. But it also brings its own set of challenges in the following ways –

• Falling leaves and debris – Your outdoor units can get clogged with leaves, twigs, and dirt, restricting airflow.
• Cooler nights & fluctuating usage – These temperature shifts can cause thermostats to kick on and off more frequently, putting extra strain on your AC’s components.
• Pollen and allergens – Autumn air carries allergens that often clog filters and reduce air quality.

3. Winter 

You might think winter is a rest period for your AC system, but that’s not true. In fact, many homes use the same system for heating and cooling, so your AC parts still work during winter, too. So, if you’re also using it during winter, you could experience the following issues –

• Frozen coils or lines – Moisture build-up can freeze and damage the unit, especially if the weather turns unusually cold.
• Pest infestations – Rodents and small critters might seek warmth inside your outdoor unit, causing wiring damage.
• Neglected maintenance – Since most people don’t use cooling functions in winter, potential issues can go unnoticed until spring or summer.

4. Spring 

Spring is the most important time to pay attention to your air conditioner because this is the season when everything changes.

• Humidity and moisture – Spring rain and humidity can impact internal parts and cause mold or mildew to form inside ducts or coils.
• Pollen overload – Clogged air filters mean poor indoor air quality, and if anyone in your family has allergic sensitivity, that’s a big deal.
• Unseen wear and tear – Any damage that occurred over winter will begin to surface during spring. 

Why Regular Maintenance of Your Air Conditioner Is Important?

You might wonder, ‘Why service the AC if it’s still running?’ The truth is, skipping seasonal maintenance can lead to bigger problems, like unexpected breakdowns, higher energy bills, and a shorter system lifespan. Air conditioners that aren’t maintained seasonally are far more likely to –

• Break down unexpectedly – If your AC isn’t checked regularly, small issues can go unnoticed until the whole system suddenly stops working on a hot day. And that may take a lot of time and excessive repair costs to fix.
• Consume more energy – A neglected AC has to work harder to do the same job, which means higher electricity bills for you.
• Cool inefficiently – When you don’t call a professional AC repair service for a long time, you might notice uneven cooling, hot spots in rooms, or the AC running longer than usual without much effect.
• Have shorter lifespans – If you don’t take care of your AC, its parts can wear out faster, and you might have to replace the whole unit sooner.

   

When to Call for Emergency AC Repair Services in Sacramento?

Even with regular maintenance, issues can still arise during extreme weather. But how do you know if it’s time to call the pros? Here are a few common signs that suggest your AC needs immediate attention –

• AC won’t turn on or off
• Strange smells or loud noises
• Weak or warm airflow
• High energy bills without a reason
• Ice buildup on the outdoor unit
• Leaking refrigerant

Takeaway

If you’re living in Sacramento, you know it usually has sunny weather, but the temperature can change a lot from one season to another. These ups and downs can affect how well your AC works.

Therefore, knowing how your AC handles changing weather in Sacramento can help you avoid extra costs, stress, and discomfort. If you notice any signs of AC issues, don’t delay. Contact a trusted AC repair service in Sacramento.

Keep Your AC Ready for Sacramento’s Weather With the Right Care at Heald Mechanical

Need emergency AC repair in Sacramento? Heald Mechanical is the most trusted HVAC service provider here. With an experience of over 100 years, we guarantee 100% satisfaction to our customers. We feel proud to say that most of our clients have been our regular customers for generations.

We have an expert team of experienced and certified technicians who offer quality services. Whether your AC is acting up or you need regular inspection and service, we’re 24/7 available.

Call us at 91-972-7276 to book our AC services now!