Common reasons commercial AC units overheat

When a commercial AC unit consistently works too long and too hard, eventually, it will overheat and break down. We want to avoid this issue before it happens and leads to a costly repair or replacement. This is why it’s important to be aware of the following reasons that an AC unit can overheat.

Low refrigerant

If you notice the AC unit’s performance slows down or there is a build-up of ice on your unit, it could indicate that the unit is low on refrigerant. The refrigerant is responsible for changing gas to liquid and then back to gas in the refrigeration cycle. Low refrigerant levels cause the unit to work more than it should, resulting in overheating.

Clogged filter

When a filter is clogged with dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles, it restricts airflow through the unit. The AC needs to work harder, which can lead to overheating. We recommend replacing your AC unit’s filter every three months and more often in the spring and fall seasons if needed.

Dirty coils

The condenser coils are responsible for carrying refrigerant through the unit. The coil absorbs and releases the refrigerant’s heat. Dirty coils can’t release the heat as efficiently and can lead to an overworked and overheating unit. Cleaning the coils, changing the air filter, and refilling the refrigerant are all part of a standard HVAC maintenance schedule. One of the best ways to prevent any issues is to keep up with routine maintenance.

Overused AC unit

Commercial AC units are designed for heavy-duty use where purified, conditioned air is required and to keep the environment comfortable. Regardless, any system can break down when overused. If you’re finding that the unit is consistently overheating or tripping the circuit breaker, the issue could be that the unit is not adequate to handle the environment or size of the building.

In this case, your best bet is to contact Polar Mobility to remedy the problem. Whether for a construction trailer, emergency field hospital, or a temporary building, our team can engineer a solution for your commercial HVAC needs.