The air conditioner is a major comfort system in any home or workplace. This is especially true in areas where temperatures reach over 100 degrees, such as Woodland Hills and many parts of Los Angeles. When the weather gets that hot, it can feel overwhelming if your AC isn’t working properly—or worse, if it breaks down completely.
One way to tell that your air conditioner may be close to failing is when it starts working too hard. This can be both a symptom of a problem and a cause of bigger issues. Either way, recognizing the signs early can help you avoid expensive repairs or a complete breakdown.
High Electric Bills in Woodland Hills
During the hottest months of the year, it’s normal for electric bills to increase. But if your bills are suddenly much higher than usual, your air conditioner may be the reason.
When an AC works too hard, it becomes less efficient and needs more energy to cool your home. Even newer systems can show higher bills if something is causing them to overwork.
Two of the biggest causes are:
- Lack of maintenance: Without regular AC maintenance, your system can’t work at peak efficiency.
- Age: All AC units lose efficiency over time. Even with good care, a 30-year-old unit cannot run as well as a 15-year-old one.
If your bills are rising fast, it’s a strong sign that your AC needs attention.
Not Cooling Enough
It’s frustrating to run your air conditioner all day and still not reach the temperature you set. This also costs more money because the system keeps running nonstop.
Sometimes, this happens simply because the weather is extremely hot. Most air conditioners can cool your home to about 15–20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. So if it’s 105°F outside, your AC may only be able to get your home to around 85–90°F.
However, if your AC used to cool well and now struggles, there may be a problem—often related to incorrect refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant is too high or too low, your system can’t cool properly. The good news is this is usually fixable by adjusting the amount of refrigerant.
You can also help your AC by:
- Closing blinds to reduce sun exposure
- Using ceiling or portable fans
- Limiting heat from appliances during the day
Unusual Sounds
Another sign your AC is working too hard is when it starts making strange noises. While some systems are naturally louder than others, certain sounds are not normal.
Watch out for:
- Grinding
- Scraping
- Metal-on-metal noises
These sounds usually mean internal parts are loose or rubbing against each other. If caught early, these issues are often easy and affordable to fix. But if ignored, they can cause major damage and lead to expensive repairs—or even system failure.
Contact LA Heating & Air Conditioning
The most effective way to prevent your air conditioning unit from working too hard is to make sure it receives regular routine maintenance in Woodland Hills. Like a car, the better maintained your air conditioning is the smoother it will run during its lifespan at your home. If you are ready to schedule your first air conditioning maintenance of the year, give LA Heating and Air a call today! (818)341-3406.
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