Some Like it Hot! Yikes!!!

Summer Heat Is Hard on Your AC System — But What About the Electrical Parts That Power It?

When summer temperatures climb, most homeowners naturally think about their air conditioning system. They may schedule an HVAC tune-up, change the filter, clean around the outdoor unit, or make sure the thermostat is working properly.

Those are all good steps. But there’s another part of the system that is most often overlooked: it’s the electrical components that supply power to the air conditioner.

Your AC unit does not operate in isolation. It depends on wiring, breakers, disconnect switches, pull-out disconnects, fuses, terminals, lugs, and other electrical connections to safely and reliably deliver power. During the hottest months of the year, these parts can be placed under tremendous stress.

The Hidden Stress of Summer AC Operation

On a hot summer day, your air conditioner may cycle on and off many times. Each time it starts, the electrical system experiences a surge of current. Current flow generates heat throughout the electrical system and is particularly hard on connections, which expand and contract repeatedly. Over time, this movement can help loosen connections, especially in areas already affected by age, corrosion, vibration, poor installation, or previous overheating.

Look at this pic. It’s a prime example of the consequences of loose connections, and your HVAC Contractor will most likely not take on this repair!

HVAC contractors are very important in keeping your cooling system operating properly. They service the refrigerant system, coils, blower components, capacitors, contactors, and other HVAC-related parts.

However, when the problem involves damaged wiring, burned disconnects, failed pull-outs, loose lugs, overheated terminals, or defective electrical equipment feeding the unit, many HVAC contractors will not replace those components. In many cases, that work needs to be handled by a licensed electrical contractor.

Before the summer heat stresses your HVAC system, it is wise to have the electrical side of your AC system inspected. Now is the time to get things checked out. Don’t wait till you're all hot and bothered, call us today. Drop us a note at info@nbec-us.com or call us at 910-371-3369