Top 5 Reasons for Emergency AC Repairs in Summer

Why AC Breakdowns Are So Common in Summer

Every summer, HVAC contractors handle an onslaught of emergency service calls from angry homeowners whose air conditioners have failed unexpectedly in the middle of a heatwave. When the weather is hot outside, your AC isn't just a matter of convenience — it's a matter of survival. And when it fails, conditions can become intolerable in a hurry.

Therefore, a few AC failures come as a shock, but most of the usual problems can be prevented. If you keep up with regular maintenance and catch issues before they turn into gigantic ones, you can prevent those summertime breakdowns. Let's take a look at the top five reasons individuals end up in an emergency AC repair situation — and how you can keep that from happening.

Reason #1 – Refrigerant Leaks

One of the leading causes of poor AC performance and emergency breakdowns is a refrigerant leak. Your air conditioner employs refrigerant to extract heat and cool your indoor air. As refrigerant leaks and levels fall, your system loses efficiency — and you lose cool.

Symptoms of refrigerant leakage are:

• Reduced cooling capacity
• Ice buildup on refrigerant coils or lines
• Gurgling or hissing noises near the outdoor or indoor unit

Many folks believe you can simply "top off" the refrigerant, but in reality, if it's low, that indicates there's a leak somewhere. Simply recharging it without repairing the leak won't work and could make the situation worse. You should really have a certified technician do this.

Reason #2 – Capacitor Burnout or Electrical Failures

AC systems utilize various electrical components, and in summer, they are under heavy load. Power surges, voltage spikes, and prolonged operation in hot conditions may lead to electrical failures — especially with the capacitors used to start and run the motors.

If a capacitor fails, your system can:

• Not turn on at all
• Start but then cut off suddenly
• Produce clicking or humming sounds without expelling cool air

Because this issue can lead to other electrical problems if not fixed in time, it is among the most common reasons for emergency AC service. Don't ignore early signs — have your system checked if it starts acting strangely.

Reason #3 – Frozen Evaporator Coils

Frozen evaporator coils are another extremely common summer AC failure. This can develop over time, but once the coils have frozen, the system will not be able to cool and can even completely shut down.

So, why do coils freeze up?

• Dirty or clogged air filters
• Blocked or obstructed airflow
• Too little refrigerant

You may notice ice on the indoor unit or water around the air handler. If you ignore it, it will ruin the compressor, and that's one of the most expensive AC repairs available. To prevent those coils from freezing, simply replace the filters on a regular basis and ensure the airflow is not restricted.

Reason #4 – Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

It's easy, it's inexpensive, and it's easily forgotten: filthy filters are among the leading causes of air conditioner breakdowns. Filters clogged with dust and dirt impede airflow. This makes your AC strain, overheat, and ultimately fail.

Some of the consequences of neglected filters include:

• Poor indoor air quality
• Higher energy bills
• Shortened system life
• Emergency shutdowns from overheating

During peak cooling season, filters should be checked at least monthly and replaced as needed. It's an easy way to extend the life of your AC and prevent a service call during the hottest week of the year.

Reason #5 – Defective Thermostat or Sensor

Sometimes the issue isn't so much with the AC unit itself — it's actually the thermostat or sensor that's malfunctioning. When your thermostat becomes unreliable or its sensor goes bad, your system might not react appropriately to temperature changes.

Common symptoms include:

• The AC doesn’t turn on, even when it’s hot
• The system turns on and off too frequently
• Imbalanced temperatures between rooms

In most cases, thermostat issues can be resolved easily, yet they still cause unnecessary discomfort — and, in some cases, lead to overcooling or system overload. If you have an old, slow, or erratic thermostat, replacing it with a smart one can boost comfort and efficiency.

Avoid Emergency Repairs — Act Before It Gets Too Hot

The easiest way to prevent those emergency AC repairs is to detect problems early on. Seriously, don't wait for your system to totally fail you during a scorching hot weekend. Get a pro to check it out and do some routine maintenance before the busy season begins.

A quality technician will spot those little problems before they balloon into expensive breakdowns — and they'll keep your system running like a machine when you need it most.

Whether you require a quick repair, regular check-up, or complete system replacement, Hot Cold Air has you covered:

• Emergency AC Repair
• AC Maintenance Services
• New AC Installation

☎️ Call us today at 888-889-7589 or contact us here

Don't get caught unprepared by the summer heat. Do yourself a favor — get your system checked today and stay cool throughout the season!