What Causes Overheating When the AC Is On in Owasso, OK, Homes?


Does your air conditioner feel hot to the touch or shut off frequently? If so, you’re probably wondering what causes overheating when the AC is on.
As a trusted provider of Owasso’s professional AC repair, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric can help you understand everything you should know about your air conditioner. With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees a few months every year, you need a fully functional cooling system to keep you safe.
The Problem of an Overheating Owasso Air Conditioner
An overheating air conditioner seems like a counterintuitive problem, but as an electrical device, your air conditioner produces heat. If something blocks the heat from dissipating, it overheats the system, forcing it to shut down. An overheating air conditioning system can cause the following problems:
- Decreased comfort: As part of a humid subtropical climate, Owasso has high heat and moisture almost all year round. You need cool air to stay comfortable and enjoy spending time in your home.
- Safety issues: When the temperature gets too hot in your home, it can pose a threat to your health. An air conditioner helps you moderate the temperature in your home.
- Expensive damage: If your air conditioner overheats too many times, it can force you to make expensive repairs or replace the entire device. High humidity in your home can also cause damage to your furniture, walls, and floors.
Common Owasso Air Conditioner Overheating Causes
How can your HVAC system overheat when the AC turns on? You likely have one of four common issues.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter is one of the most common problems with an air conditioner, but thankfully, you can fix it incredibly easily. Your air filter removes many of the contaminants that can cause allergies and respiratory problems. When the filter collects too much dust and debris, it can restrict the airflow of your device and trap some of the heat.
To prevent this issue, you should change or clean your filter at least once a month. If your home has a high level of pollutants from smoking or pets, you should check and replace it more frequently. You can ask your HVAC technician about other filter options that can protect you for longer.
Blocked Coils
What causes overheating when the AC is on? Many times, the cause is a frozen evaporator coil or condenser.
The evaporator coil collects heat transported by the refrigerant and releases it outdoors. If dirt builds up, it can prevent the heat from leaving, overheating the air conditioner. This manifests as ice on the coils, even in the high heat of the Owassa summer.
The condenser cools the refrigerant into a liquid and transfers the heat from the substance to the evaporator coils. If these coils accumulate too much dirt, they can freeze, overheating your system.
Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the fundamental component of your air conditioner because it exchanges heat in your home for cooler air. As part of an enclosed system, your refrigerant levels shouldn’t decrease. However, as your system ages, it can spring leaks.
If your refrigerant levels become too low, your system can’t remove heat, and you’ll frequently experience an overheating air conditioner. Only a qualified HVAC professional can handle refrigerant.
Clogged Compressor
Your AC compressor puts pressure on the refrigerant, raising its temperature and allowing it to remove heat from your home. It functions as part of your outdoor unit and remains vulnerable to dirt, leaves, and even animals nesting in it.
When this happens, your refrigerant can’t circulate properly, and your device overheats. You can help prevent this by keeping your outdoor unit free of leaves and cleaning it regularly.
Signs You Have an Overheating Air Conditioner in Owasso, OK
Keeping your air conditioner from overheating is an important part of HVAC energy conservation. You can know it is overheating if you notice the following signs:
- Reduced airflow
- Increasing energy bills
- Burning smells
- Loud noises
- Problems turning on
If you notice any of these signs, call your HVAC technician for help to avoid more serious issues.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Can Fix Your Owasso Air Conditioner
What causes overheating when the AC is on? Usually, it happens when a part of your system accumulates too much dirt. Whether you’re wondering, “Do you need to replace ductwork when replacing an AC,” or you need annual maintenance to prevent air conditioner problems, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can help.
You can book an appointment when you call 918-212-0122.

Cassie Pound is the Vice President of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric with locations in Tulsa, Glenpool, and Bartlesville, Oklahoma.