Top Causes of AC Breakdowns in Summer—and How to Avoid Them

Summer in Blairsville, GA can be unforgiving, and when temperatures rise, your air conditioner becomes essential for home comfort. Unfortunately, summer is also the peak season for AC breakdowns—and the last thing you want is to be stuck in the heat without a working system.

Understanding the most common causes of air conditioner failures can help you avoid unexpected disruptions. Here are the top reasons AC systems break down in the summer, and how you can prevent them.

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and reducing its efficiency. Over time, this can lead to overheating and system failure. Many homeowners overlook filter changes during busy summer months.

Solution: Check and replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is essential for your AC to cool your home. If the system is low on refrigerant due to a leak or poor maintenance, it won’t cool effectively and can suffer long-term damage.

Solution: Schedule regular HVAC checkups to catch and repair any leaks, and ensure refrigerant levels are properly maintained.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
When airflow is restricted—often due to dirty filters or blocked ducts—evaporator coils can freeze. This reduces cooling capacity and may shut the system down entirely.

Solution: Keep filters and ducts clean, and have your system professionally inspected if cooling efficiency drops.

4. Thermostat Malfunctions
If your thermostat isn’t calibrated or functioning correctly, it can cause your system to cycle too often or not turn on at all. Faulty thermostats are a common but overlooked issue during summer.

Solution: Upgrade to a smart thermostat for more precise control, and ensure your thermostat is properly installed and calibrated.

5. Electrical Component Failures
Capacitors, relays, and other electrical parts can wear out over time. The summer heat puts additional stress on these components, leading to unexpected shutdowns.

Solution: Have your HVAC system inspected annually. A professional technician can identify failing parts before they cause a breakdown.

6. Dirty Condenser Coils
Outdoor condenser coils release the heat removed from your home. If they’re covered in dirt, grass, or debris, your system has to work harder, which can lead to overheating and failure.

Solution: Keep the area around your outdoor unit clean and schedule a seasonal tune-up to clean the coils.

7. Inadequate Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance is the number one reason air conditioners break down. Small problems can escalate quickly under the stress of constant summer use.

Solution: Invest in a professional HVAC maintenance plan to keep your system running efficiently and catch issues early.

Stay Cool with Blairsville Heating and Air
Don’t wait for a breakdown to get serious about your AC system’s health. At Blairsville Heating and Air, we provide expert maintenance and repair services to keep your cooling system operating at peak performance all summer long.

📞 Call us today at 706-745-4434 to schedule your summer AC tune-up and enjoy uninterrupted comfort when it matters most!