Orange County has seen some unusual weather lately. Tropical moisture connected to former Hurricane Odalys brought additional clouds and moisture into Southern California, giving us a temporary break from the intense late-summer heat.
But Orange County homeowners shouldn’t turn off their air conditioners just yet.
Temperatures are expected to climb again as we head into the weekend, with some inland Orange County communities potentially reaching the mid-to-upper 90s. After months of summer heat, another stretch of high temperatures can put additional stress on an air conditioning system that has already been working hard.
If your AC has been struggling, running longer than normal, blowing warmer air, or having trouble keeping your home comfortable, now is a good time to have it checked.
Another Round of Hot Weather Is Heading to Orange County
Southern California weather can change quickly, especially during the transition from summer into fall. Cooler mornings and cloudy days can make it feel like AC season is coming to an end, only for temperatures to climb again a few days later.
That’s exactly why homeowners shouldn’t assume their air conditioner is done working for the year.
In areas such as Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and San Clemente, air conditioners may continue running well into the fall.
When temperatures rise again, an HVAC system that has already spent months cooling your home can begin showing signs of wear.
Signs You May Need AC Repair in Orange County
One of the most common calls we receive is from homeowners saying their air conditioner is running but the house just isn’t getting as cold as it should.
That can happen for many reasons, and waiting until the system completely stops working can turn a smaller HVAC issue into a much bigger inconvenience.
Here are some common warning signs that your AC may need professional attention:
- Your AC is blowing warm or lukewarm air
- Your home is taking much longer to cool
- The thermostat temperature keeps rising
- Your air conditioner runs constantly
- Airflow from the vents feels weaker than usual
- Some rooms are much warmer than others
- The outdoor unit is making unusual noises
- Your system repeatedly turns on and off
- You notice water or condensation around your HVAC system
- Your energy bill has suddenly increased
- Your thermostat is displaying an error
- Your AC will not turn on at all
If you're experiencing any of these problems, scheduling an AC diagnostic in Orange County can help determine what is causing the issue before the next hot day.
Why Heat Waves Are Hard on Air Conditioning Systems
During normal weather, your air conditioner cycles on and off throughout the day.
During an Orange County heat wave, that can change dramatically.
Your AC may run for much longer periods as it tries to maintain the temperature set on your thermostat. That extended runtime puts additional demand on components throughout the system.
Older air conditioning systems can be especially vulnerable. If your HVAC system is 10, 15, or even 20 years old, another period of extreme heat may expose problems that weren't noticeable during cooler weather.
Even newer systems can experience problems if there is an electrical issue, drainage problem, dirty filter, restricted airflow, thermostat problem, or another mechanical issue.
Don't Ignore an AC That's “Still Cooling a Little”
A common mistake homeowners make is waiting because their air conditioner is still producing some cool air.
If your AC used to keep your home at 72 degrees without a problem but now struggles to get below 78, something may have changed.
The system may still be operating, but reduced cooling performance can be an early warning sign.
Having an HVAC technician diagnose the issue before the system completely stops working may help you avoid being without air conditioning during one of Orange County's hottest days.
Humidity Can Affect How Comfortable Your Home Feels
Recent tropical moisture has also been a reminder that temperature isn't the only factor affecting indoor comfort.
Air conditioners don't just cool your home. They also help remove moisture from indoor air.
When humidity increases, your home may feel warmer or more uncomfortable even at the same thermostat setting.
If your house feels unusually humid or muggy while your AC is running, it may be worth having your HVAC system inspected.
Check Your Air Filter Before the Heat Returns
One of the simplest things homeowners can do is check the HVAC air filter.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow through the system. During hot weather, when your air conditioner is already working harder, restricted airflow can make it even more difficult for the system to cool your home.
How often you should replace your filter depends on the type of filter, your home, pets, indoor air quality, and how frequently the system operates.
If the filter looks dirty or heavily covered in dust, replacing it is a simple first step.
Keep the Outdoor AC Unit Clear
Your outdoor condenser also needs room to operate properly.
Leaves, dirt, plants, debris, and other objects around the condenser can interfere with airflow.
Take a look around your outdoor AC unit and make sure the surrounding area is clear. Avoid placing objects directly against the equipment, and don't allow landscaping to grow into the unit.
If you notice unusual sounds, damaged components, or anything that doesn't look right, contact an HVAC professional rather than attempting to repair the equipment yourself.
Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?
If you're dealing with repeated AC repairs, you may be wondering whether it makes more sense to repair your existing system or replace it.
There isn't one answer that works for every home.
The age and condition of the system, repair history, efficiency, cost of the current repair, and overall comfort of your home can all play a role.
A newer system experiencing an isolated problem may simply need a repair. An older HVAC system that frequently breaks down or struggles to cool the home may be worth evaluating for replacement.
An experienced HVAC technician can inspect your equipment and explain your options so you can decide what makes the most sense for your home and budget.
Looking for AC Repair in Orange County?
When your air conditioner stops cooling during hot weather, you don't want to spend hours searching for an HVAC company.
Air Care Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional AC repair, HVAC diagnostics, air conditioning service, HVAC maintenance, and system replacement services throughout Orange County, California.
Our team serves homeowners throughout Orange County, including communities such as:
Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, and surrounding Orange County areas.
Whether your AC isn't turning on, isn't blowing cold air, is leaking, is making unusual noises, or simply isn't keeping your home as comfortable as it should, our team can help diagnose the problem.
Prepare Your AC Before Orange County Heats Up Again
The cloudy and cooler weather may have provided a short break, but Southern California's warm season isn't necessarily finished.
With another warming trend approaching Orange County, now is a good time to pay attention to how your HVAC system is performing.
If something doesn't seem right, don't wait until the hottest afternoon of the week to find out your air conditioner can't keep up.
Need AC repair or HVAC service in Orange County?
Call Air Care Heating & Air Conditioning at 949-482-2911 to schedule service.
Serving Orange County homeowners with professional heating and air conditioning service when they need it most.
Where Air Meets Care.