With the recent shift in Bay Area weather patterns, we’re experiencing more frequent heat waves than ever before. Area homeowners in Fremont, Livermore, and the surrounding Bay areas may have their home cooling systems working overtime to keep their homes comfortable. We’ll explain why your AC unit may be working overtime and tell you what you can do to address the issue.
Understanding Bay Area Heat Waves
The increase in summertime heat waves in the Bay Area can be attributed to underlying issues like climate change. This locks in negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation phases and La Niña-like patterns to reinforce an atmospheric shift that favors intense heat. Weather experts note that heat waves are more frequent and stick around longer than they did just a few decades ago.
Even small differences can have a big effect. The microclimate variances between Livermore and Fremont mean that two homeowners in the Bay Area may have vastly different experiences. Because Fremont is located near the bay, the marine air and fog can better moderate temperatures. Livermore is surrounded by hills that not only block the cool marine air but also act like a basin to trap unwanted heat.
Common Reasons Your AC Runs Constantly
There are various reasons that your home air conditioning system may be overworking. One of the most common is a clogged air filter that restricts airflow through your ducting or at the indoor air handler for your ductless mini-split system. Fortunately, that’s a simple fix. All you need to do is replace the air filter with a new one. Your air conditioner might also run constantly because it’s aging. As air conditioners near the end of their lifespan, they become less and less efficient.
The refrigerant level inside your air conditioning system controls how much heat your system can successfully remove from the air. Refrigerant levels can drop if your system has a leak, allowing this gas to escape.
Your air conditioner may also be constantly running if your ductwork has leaks. They can allow cold air to escape into your walls instead of reaching the rooms in your home.
Signs Your AC Is Overworking
As a homeowner, being mindful of signs that your air conditioner is overworking lets you respond to them sooner rather than later. Continuing to run an inefficient AC unit can lead to exceedingly high energy bills and decreased household comfort. One of the most obvious signs that your AC is overworking is warm spots throughout your home. You may notice a higher indoor humidity level than normal, and your energy bills may be much higher than usual, too.
How to Reduce AC Strain and Stay Comfortable
You can reduce the strain on your AC system throughout the summer and stay more comfortable in your home using a few simple tactics. One of the most important is routine HVAC maintenance. This will take care of everything from cleaning the coils to calibrating the thermostat to ensure your system is operating as efficiently as possible.
If you have an outdated air conditioning system, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency unit. This type of system allows your home to stay cooler without a significant increase in your energy bills. Additionally, consider installing a smart thermostat that will allow you to program different temperature settings throughout the day. A smart thermostat makes it possible to increase the temperature when away from home to save money on your energy bills but still be able to keep your home comfortable when you’re there.
When to Call AIS HVAC Experts
If you notice something out of the norm with your cooling system — such as short cycling, weak airflow, an odd odor, or a weird noise — call us promptly for repair service. The sooner we can look at your air conditioner, the sooner we’ll be able to repair it before the damage gets any worse.
Keep Cool and Efficient All Summer
AIS Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to provider for AC tune-ups and repair services. We suggest calling us in the early spring to prepare your system for the upcoming summer heat waves. This will prepare your AC to take on the hotter weather efficiently and safely.
Give us a call today to book your next service appointment with one of our helpful HVAC technicians.
